VICTORIOUS

Have you ever read a bible story that at one time was just a story, but this time, it jumps right off the pages at you! I had that happen the one time while helping my daughter Mackinley with her Bible lesson.

This story was in 2 Chronicles 20 of the Old Testament. It begins with some armies declaring war on Jehoshaphat. He was a God-fearing fellow who, being scared, went to God and asked for help. God called all of His people to fast and pray. Instead of getting all worked up and afraid, they prayed and worshiped God. While they were doing this, God spoke through one of the men by saying to the people things like, “Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not even need to fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you.”

Hearing this, King Jehoshaphat bowed and prayed, giving praise to the Lord. The next morning their army went out into the wilderness to where the Lord told them to go. As they travelled along, the king had appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising His name. Meanwhile, the other armies were waiting for Jehoshaphat to arrive, and God caused their armies to start fighting against themselves, killing off everyone until a single soldier was not alive. So when King Jehoshaphat and his people arrived, the battle was already over. And, to top it off, they got to collect all the plunder (My daughter really liked that word) Vast amounts of clothing, equipment and valuables that took them three days to collect. They spent the fourth day praising God for His victory and His provision.

Whatever battle you are walking into today, remember that the battle is NOT yours but the Lord’s. Hand it over to God and head into it praising and worshiping Him, for HE HAS ALREADY CONQUERED YOUR ENEMY. He wants to protect you, take care of you and bless you for your confidence and faith in Him. Jehoshaphat showed us how important faith is. He knew how to come to God and ask for His help when he was afraid. He praised God for who He was and was wise enough to know that he needed God’s help. He could have complained and freaked out and doubted that God would take care of them, but he didn’t! He kept his focus on the Lord, having unwavering faith in Him! God could have just helped them win the battle, and that would have been amazing enough, but that could have left room for the people to think it was in their own strength that they had won.

God showed up for Jehoshaphat and His people in such a crazy over-the-top way that there would be no doubt that victory could only have been because of Him. Not only victory but blessing through it, remember all that plunder!!! And the same goes for us. God doesn’t just want to fix our problems or win our battles, but He also wants to bless us in those circumstances. Therefore, we cannot take credit since it is clear where the glory and praise are to be given.

“You can do your best to prepare for the battle, but ultimate victory comes from the Lord God.” Proverbs 21:31 TPT

“The very moment I call to you for a father’s help, the tide of battle turns, and my enemies flee. This one thing I know: God is on my side!” Psalms 56:9 TPT

Lord God, we praise You, for You are worthy of all our praise and worship. Thank you that there can be blessings found in the battles we face. We want to give You all the glory for the victories in our lives; that way, we can not boast but instead use our hard situations to point others to You. May we remain faithful to keep our eyes on You as the only Way, the only Truth and the only true Life. Amen