The Battle is the Lord's
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The New Year will bring new victories. There is no doubt about it. But every victory has a battle. We have an adversary and a devourer of the souls of men. (I Peter 5:8) We are commanded to stand firm against the devil and stand strong in the faith. Jehoshaphat was one of the godliest kings of Judah. A vast army of enemy nations was marching against him with one intent in mind – to destroy him and his witness of the One and Only God. When Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord and God sent His Word, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours but God’s . . . Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory” (II Chronicles 20:15-17 NLT). |
Friend, no matter what battles you are facing – don’t be discouraged, don’t be afraid. You are in the Lord’s army. “The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.” Study the things that Jehoshaphat did to position himself for the Lord’s victory.
First – PURIFICATION. He purified himself and Judah from pagan idols and altars. (II Chronicles 17) Before Joshua led Israel to cross the Jordan and possess the land, he commanded them to purify themselves. Have you forsaken the idols of the world? (I John 2:15-17) Have you purified your temple from all sin, disobedience, un-Christ-like motives and attitudes?
Second – PROCLAMATION and teaching the Word of God. Jehoshaphat sent teachers of the Word throughout Judah. Revival came through the preaching and teaching of the Word. But he not only taught the Word, he obeyed it. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Third – PRAYER. Jehoshaphat prayed a powerful prayer of faith. God’s army advances on its knees. (II Chronicles 20:5-12; Ephesians 6:10-19; James 5:16-17)
Fourth – PROPHECY. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahziel and he prophesied God’s message. (II Chronicles 20:13-15, 20) Don’t despise the true prophetic Word. (I Thessalonians 5:16-22) Listen and obey the Word of the Lord.
Fifth – PRAISE. Jehoshaphat sent out singers before the army to praise and worship the Lord. God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise is a powerful weapon. (Psalm 149) It is indispensable to a life of victory. (II Chronicles 10:21-22)
Sixth – POSITION yourself for victory. The Word of the Lord commanded the people of God to take their positions and stand. (II Chronicles 20:17) Have you taken your position? Not everyone was a general or captain. Some were archers, some were swordsmen, and some were singers or priests. But each position is necessary in the Lord’s army. (I Corinthians 12) The Bible tells us after having done all we are to stand. (Ephesians 6:10, 14) Stand in your position. When soldiers go AWOL, they put their comrades in jeopardy and eternal souls in danger. Find your position and stand steadfast in it. Be submissive to authority. Stand faithful in your position.
As you follow the example of Jehoshaphat you have God’s promise, “The battle is not yours but God’s.”
by: Cliff Sanders