"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God." -Matthew 5:3 MSG
Have you ever felt powerless? Have you ever felt like you've exhausted every resource, but still do not have an answer? King Jehoshaphat and the tribe of Judah faced an unfortunate situation. He and his people faced an enemy that was impossible for them to defeat.
Jehoshaphat was king of Judah when he was threatened with war by the Moabites, Ammonites, and the Meunites. These were territories that Israel did not invade when they came into the Promised Land from Egypt. The Bible says their enemies were comprised of "a vast army." When Jehoshaphat learned that they were coming to attack Judah, he became afraid and called for a fast for all of Judah. The people of Judah came together and prayed and petitioned the Lord for an answer, remembering what He had done for the Isrealites to bring them into the Promised Land.
"Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You." -2 Chronicles 20:12
Then God's Spirit came upon a man from the line of the prophet Zachariah, who prophesied victory over Judah and gave them supernatural instruction from the Lord:
“Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. ... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” v.15-17
The next morning, they set out to meet their enemies, appointing men to go before the army and sing praises to God as they went. Amazingly, when they arrived near the battle site, the Lord had confused their enemies, and they began fighting each other!
"As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated." v.22
Is there a battle that you need to let the Lord fight? If so, pray and ask Him to be your avenger. Sometimes, all we need to do is step out in faith and be obedient. He is more than able to help us with any battle or struggle we face.
"And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." -2 Chronicles 20:30
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