War and Peace

Have you ever been under attack by a person, or a group of people – when you don’t believe you did anything to deserve it?

2 Chronicles 20 provides counsel and encouragement when we are up against the enemy.

At the beginning of the chapter we read that “[Some enemies] came to make war against Jehoshaphat.” “From beyond the sea.”

It’s an unexpected attack out of the blue!

Jehoshaphat was afraid and the first thing he did, the Bible tells us, is he turned his attention to seek the LORD. When we are afraid, it’s often a temptation to start looping others in, and that typically leads to a series of misguided actions. But this is a good model for us to follow. He was afraid and the first thing he did was seek the LORD.

The next thing he did was he called on others to fast, and to come together to pray. This is no request for a 30-second, “Can you pray in the car on your way to work?” but rather, this is a serious imploring that the LORD would protect them from the enemy. Fasting and prayer.

With the people gathered, he began his public prayer with words that reminded himself and others of God’s power and His promises. “Art Thou not God in the heavens? Power and might are in Thy hand so that no one can stand against Thee.”

His prayer progresses to their own lack of power. He says, “We are powerless… nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on Thee.”

In the middle of this group of fervently praying people, the Spirit of the LORD speaks through one of them and says, “Do not fear or be dismayed… the battle is not yours but God’s… You don’t need to fight… station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf…”

The Bible then tells us that “Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground and [everyone] fell down before the LORD”, and… listen to this… they didn’t beg for help but “they fell down worshiping the LORD.”

Verse 22 says, “And when they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against [their enemies].”

Isn’t that a great model for managing attack?

1. Turn your attention to seek the LORD.
2. Pray and fast.
3. Remember who God is.
4. Praise Him.

Originally posted on: https://www.connectingstreams.com/portfolio-items/war-and-peace/?portfolioCats=875%2C879%2C884%2C876%2C666%2C883%2C878%2C896