We Need to Be More Like Jehoshaphat

Part of a study today was on 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was a godly king. He got word that a great army was coming against him. What did he do? Call up his own army? Start strategizing? No. He went to seek God’s direction. The people that were coming against him were the very ones God had told King Jehoshaphat not to destroy. We read, “See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. O 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 upon you.” They had vowed, before this attack seemed imminent, that they would stand before the temple that bares God’s name and trust Him. We are told that men, wives, children, and little ones stood before the Lord. God’s answer was not that He would empower them to beat the enemy, but that they should take their positions, stand firm, and watch God bring the victory. As they prepare to march toward this massive army coming to destroy them, did the king really believe God’s promise or did he see it a pep talk to prepare them. The army that marched toward battle did not come in military might. King Jehoshaphat put a choir to lead that army with songs of praise and worship. They watched God give them the victory. Read 2 Chronicles to see the rest of the story. Do we have that faith? If you were in Jehoshaphat’s shoes (or sandals), would you be seeking choir members or would you be desperately seeking more able fighting personal? Would your heart be rejoicing in what God was going to do, or would you be in terror wondering what the enemy would do to you? We need to call on God to strengthen our faith and equip us for the battles that we will undoubtedly face in the future. If you sense God calling you, are you stepping out in faith, confident that God will provide or are you looking for someone else to do what God called you to do? Whatever your skill and whatever your call is, face it like Jehoshaphat - seek the Lord in prayer, declare your dependence on God, and then lift your voice in praise. Then go forth. Father, we often fall short of the faith Jehoshaphat had. We get overwhelmed by the enemy. Fill our hearts with praise. Amen