By Andrea Merrell
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 NIV
“We have no power against this great multitude
that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do.”
These were the words of King Jehoshaphat (2
Chronicles 20:12) when he faced three different armies that had combined to
wipe out his land. He confessed his predicament and cried out to the Lord. Then
he said, “Our eyes are on you.”
The Lord answered, “Do not be afraid.” He assured Jehoshaphat
that the battle belonged to Him, not an earthly king. Then he gave some rather
unorthodox instructions. He told the king to put the choir in front of the
army. Can you imagine? God wanted them to praise their way into victory. And so
they did.
Have you ever been in a situation where it seems
all the powers of hell have combined to wipe you out? I know I have. In those
times, the last thing our flesh wants to do is to start praising the Lord. We
want to kick and scream, grumble and complain. But God doesn’t respond to
tantrums. He responds to our faith and our heartfelt praise.
The next time you’re in a tough situation,
remember that the battle belongs to God. Put your worship on. As Bob Gass says,
“Begin to praise God, and the forces of heaven will come to your aid.”
