The story is told of two boys who got in a fight. Eventually, a friend of one of the combatants stepped in to fight for him. As the fight dragged on, a friend of the original opponent stepped in to fight on his behalf. Before it was all over, the original fighters sat on the sidelines as their friends finished their battle. Now those were loyal friends!
An ancient battle was once fought similarly. Here's the setting:
"Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi ).' " (2 Chronicles 20.1-2)
God's people were hopelessly outnumbered, and the battle outcome seemed all but certain. The smell of defeat was strong in the air. But, the right response set the stage for a miraculous outcome:
"Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD." (2 Chronicle 20.3-4)
In the midst of this collective prayer meeting and fasting, God spoke through a man whose words speak to us even today:
"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Like the two boys fighting - whose friends finished their fight - God stepped in to fight a battle that was ultimately His.
Here's a point to ponder today: if you are a child of God, then your life - and all associated with it - is not your, but the LORD'S. Years ago, when my income was severely limited, I was greatly stressed over some potentially expensive car repairs. In the midst of it, I realized it really wasn't my car; it was my Father's. From that perspective, we had a conversation about how He would arrange to repair His car. I don't recall specifics this many years later, but I do know that the problem was somehow solved. More importantly, my changed perspective circumvented ownership concerns.
We all face challenges in various forms today. We're deeply in debt with no apparent way out. Marital and family tension threatens to boil over uncontrollably. Stress at work is to the breaking point. But remember: "the battle is not yours but God's." As His child, your life and its challenges are ultimately His domain. Step back in prayer and even fasting, and surrender to Him what you are totally incapable of fighting and winning.
Remember David and Goliath. Remember Jericho. Consider all the great and miraculous battles recorded in Scripture, and remember that God wants to bring about similar victory in your life. As God's spokesman further stated: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf" (2 Chronicles 20.17)
May we greatly rejoice at God's great victories today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
An ancient battle was once fought similarly. Here's the setting:
"Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi ).' " (2 Chronicles 20.1-2)
God's people were hopelessly outnumbered, and the battle outcome seemed all but certain. The smell of defeat was strong in the air. But, the right response set the stage for a miraculous outcome:
"Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD." (2 Chronicle 20.3-4)
In the midst of this collective prayer meeting and fasting, God spoke through a man whose words speak to us even today:
"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Like the two boys fighting - whose friends finished their fight - God stepped in to fight a battle that was ultimately His.
Here's a point to ponder today: if you are a child of God, then your life - and all associated with it - is not your, but the LORD'S. Years ago, when my income was severely limited, I was greatly stressed over some potentially expensive car repairs. In the midst of it, I realized it really wasn't my car; it was my Father's. From that perspective, we had a conversation about how He would arrange to repair His car. I don't recall specifics this many years later, but I do know that the problem was somehow solved. More importantly, my changed perspective circumvented ownership concerns.
We all face challenges in various forms today. We're deeply in debt with no apparent way out. Marital and family tension threatens to boil over uncontrollably. Stress at work is to the breaking point. But remember: "the battle is not yours but God's." As His child, your life and its challenges are ultimately His domain. Step back in prayer and even fasting, and surrender to Him what you are totally incapable of fighting and winning.
Remember David and Goliath. Remember Jericho. Consider all the great and miraculous battles recorded in Scripture, and remember that God wants to bring about similar victory in your life. As God's spokesman further stated: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf" (2 Chronicles 20.17)
May we greatly rejoice at God's great victories today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:17 AM
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