The neighboring nations around Israel had declared war on King Jehoshaphat and he was rightfully terrified. (2 Chronicles 20:1-3)
Have you ever felt like that - terrified of the looming battle that is ahead? It can't be avoided and you can't run away. I know I have - many times. The battle has even taken place and your mind is going crazy with worry.
They did the only thing they could do - they prayed and fasted.
It is then that God sent a prophet, Jahaziel, who spoke these famous words to Jehoshaphat and to the people of Israel.
Notice the 7 instructions that God gives in the midst of the battle...
2 Chronicles 20:14-20
1. Do Not Be Afraid! - vs. 15
Depending on what translation you use the word fear is mentioned about 385 times in the Bible.
About 62 times the Bible says, "Fear not."
Fear will never change your circumstances - it only exacerbates you. Someone once said, "Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. Fear will never conquer the enemy.
God speaks to his children over and over again in the Word and He says:
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not for I am with you
Isaiah 41:13 - Fear not for I will help you
Isaiah 43:1 Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Luke 12:7 Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
2. Don't Be Discouraged - v.15
Do you ever get discouraged? I know I do. This is God's Word to us - "Don't be stressed out, don't be distraught, don't be in tears, don't be troubled, and don't be concerned."
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
3. The Battle Isn't Yours - v.15
David knew this...
And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)
4. Take Your Position - Vs. 17
But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT)
Where is our position? Where should we be positioning ourselves? We should be headed straight at the enemy’s location. We should take our place on the front line.
Vs. 17 tells us if and when we take our place on the front line that we will not need to fight in this battle.
5. Stand Still - V.17
If you leave the fight, if you leave your position, you will never see or taste the victory.
When you have done all...Ephesians 6 says, STAND!
6. Watch The Lord's Victory - V.17
Miracles will begin to happen. God is working on your behalf. We won’t have to talk about the work God used to do.
7. Go Out Against Them Tomorrow, For The LORD Is With You!” - V.17
Face the enemy with confidence! We shouldn’t be cocky or arrogant, but we can be confident and sure. Why? Because He is with you.
No matter what you are facing today - God is with you. Trust Him in whatever battle you might be facing and allow His Holy Spirit to guide you in and through whatever land mines that are before you.
"Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!"
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