The nation of Judah faced three armies about to attack
them. Let’s follow what the king, Jehoshaphat, did in this crises to
understand what we should do in a crises.
‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of
judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this
temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you
will hear us and save us.’ 2 Chronicles 20:9
First,
Jehoshaphat gathered people to pray. Prayer acknowledges to God that
you have no strength or power to fight the enemy and God is your only hope.
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
Second,
surrender the outcome to God, acknowledging that you don’t know what to do.
He said: “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.” 2
Chronicles 20:15
Third,
give the battle to God. Let him fight it and stop being afraid.
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up
your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and
Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them
tomorrow, and the Lord will
be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17
Fourth,
face the enemy—don’t run. Take up your position, but continue to
trust that God will be with you.
Then some Levites from the Kohathites and
Korahites stood up and praised the Lord,
the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. 2 Chronicles 20:19
Fifth,
praise God before and during the battle. Praise gives victory to God
and removes the dread from your heart.
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat
appointed men to sing to the Lord and
to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of
the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”
for his love endures forever.”
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. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Sixth,
praise God after the victory. Don’t take any credit
yourself. Tell others about your God that delivered you from your
enemies.