Victory for a New Year
| Victories don’t come without a battle. What battles are you fighting this New Year? Perhaps it’s the “battle of the bulge”. You’ve vowed to lose weight and live healthier – but it’s a battle. Some continue to battle life controlling or negative habits or sin in their lives. Many people battle increasing debt or mounting stress at work or at home. If you have battles to fight this New Year I have good news for you. You have an ally. There is one who has never lost a battle and he desires to stand with you if you will look to him. He is the Lord God – the Lord mighty in battle. |
King David realized the secret source of victory. “Victory comes from you, O Lord. May your blessings rest on your people” (Psalm 3:8 NLT). Read the entire chapter of Psalm 3 for David’s prescription for victory. David’s great grandson, Jehoshaphat, also came to rely on the Lord as his victory. Jehoshaphat received news that a vast horde of surrounding nations had declared war against him and were at that very moment marching towards Jerusalem. Have you ever felt that a horde of enemies has declared war against you? Realize that the devil himself is against you. (I Peter 5:8) Behind the outward battles that we may face there is a struggle against spiritual forces of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:10-13) When Jehoshaphat looked to the Lord for victory he was given great assurance and a peculiar strategy for victory. “Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people . . . Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army for the battle is not yours but God’s” (II Chronicles 20:15 NLT).
Notice what steps Jehoshaphat took to position himself for the Lord’s victory. (II Chronicles 20) These are the same steps that will bring us into victory, where the Lord of hosts will himself fight our battles.
First – PRAYER and FASTING will position us for victory for the New Year. Jehoshaphat ordered that the whole nation observe a fast. (II Chronicles 20:3) A fast was to go without food for a period of time. In the Old Testament times it was accompanied by wearing sack cloth. (Jonah 3) Repentance of sin opens the way for a relationship with God. (Luke 3:7-8) Fasting brings us to a position of humility to hear from God. Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance in prayer. Study his powerful prayer. (II Chronicles 20:5-12) Jehoshaphat focused on God’s mighty power and promises. It was a faith building prayer. Pray in faith. (Hebrews 11:6)
Second – PROPHECY brought the Word of the Lord to the people and inspired them to hope and victory. After Jehoshaphat’s prayer the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jehaziel and he prophesied, “The battle is not yours but God’s” (II Chronicles 20:14-17). The king believed and received the Word of the Lord and followed his instructions. He told the people, “Believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets and you will succeed” (II Chronicles 20:20). Twenty-twenty vision brings success to those who will believe and obey the Word of the Lord. Under the new covenant of Christ we have a more sure Word of prophecy to give us light. (II Peter 1:19-21). Let the Daystar arise in your heart – the captain of our salvation. Despise not true prophetic utterances we are told in (I Thessalonians 5:19-21).
Third – POSITION yourself for victory. There is a position for victory. In God’s kingdom it is a position of humility and faith – a total reliance on God. “Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory” (II Chronicles 20:17). Our human tendency is to take matters into our own hands. The humanist philosophy is “I am the master of my own destiny – the captain of my own ship.” The Lord’s victory comes to those who position themselves before the Lord, to stand still and watch for his intervention. Stand in faith. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Fourth – PRAISE God. Jehoshaphat send out singers before the Lord’s army to simply praise the Lord. (II Chronicles 20:21-22) God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise gives glory to God who is worthy and brings us into his presence and power. (Philippians 4:4-6; I Thessalonians 5:16-18; Isaiah 40:29-31) Praise is a powerful weapon that will bind the enemy. (Psalm 149) When the children of Israel began to praise and sing “give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever,” the Lord caused the enemy armies to become confused and to kill one another. The valley of the enemy became known as the “Valley of Blessing” because the people praised and thanked the Lord there” (II Chronicles 20:26). Your valley can be turned into the “Valley of Blessing”.
Fifth – PEACE. “Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace for his God had given him rest on every side” (II Chronicles 20:30). Do you need victory for a New Year? Look to the Lord for victory “for the battle is not yours, but God’s”. Make Christ Jesus your victory.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NLT). Receive His peace and rest.
