Whose Battle Is It Anyways?

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you felt “surrounded on all sides” and fear dominated all your emotions? I have. This is part of the human experience. In life we face real problems, real enemies, real struggle, and real fear, but we have a real God.

This morning I was in 2 Chronicles 20 and I was reading the prayer of Jehoshaphat. He finds himself in this kind of predicament. He is the God appointed King of Judah. He is bringing true worship back to the land (2 Chronicles 19) and in chapter 20 he finds himself surrounded – “a great multitude is coming against you…”

I love how Jehoshaphat responds… HE PRAYS. HE GATHERS OTHERS. HE LISTENS TO GOD.

In his fear he chose to run to the character of God. What I have learned in life is that you can trust God even if you disagree with Him. Agreement is wrapped up in our feelings. Trust is wrapped up in God’s character. He chooses to “set his face to seek the Lord.” But he didn’t do this by himself. He assembled Judah. they came together to seek the Lord together (v.3-4).

As he prays he reminds himself of God’s character. He gives reminders of how God has worked in the past. And then he boldly requests God to show up in this moment.

GOD ANSWERS HIS PRAYER. God sends His Spirit upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah. He reminds them of a very important truth. He says, “THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD’S.” And then he gives them some important instruction in verses 16-17:

16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Jehoshaphat listened. He bowed his head. He worshipped. And he declared to the people, “BELIEVE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD.”

We may not be facing literal battles with enemies seeking our life but all of us face difficulties and trials in life. One thing I love about the Bible is that God does not paint out a picture of life that is always easy. Sometimes life is hard. Bad things happen. But God is always present.

He uses those times to form us, mold us, and sanctify us (James 1 & 1 Peter 1). And Jesus Himself declared that we should take heart, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). What does it look like for you to faithfully pursue God even in the hardest seasons of your life?

PRAY. GATHER WITH OTHERS. LISTEN TO GOD. And remember, whose battle is it anyways? It is God’s. So believe in the Lord your God. Fix your eyes on Him. And take a step.