Our family practice is to gather each morning, Monday through Friday, at 7 am for family devotions - a time where we read a portion of scripture, ask some questions, and take some time to pray with and for each other.
This morning was no different. Our story for today came from 2 Chronicles 20, a portion of the Old Testament that chronicles the story of God leading His people Israel. In the story there is a king by the name of Jehoshaphat. He was a strong king who loved God and encouraged his people to serve God also.
One day Jehoshaphat realizes that three other armies had joined together to take him and his army out. Because of this threat the people of Israel came together to seek the Lord. They fasted and prayed looking to God for the answer. God answered them and spoke to them through a guy named Jahaziel - where did they come up with these names? Any ways -- the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jazz.
The first thing Jehoshaphat did was praise God for the victory that was coming later. Then a choir was formed to march before the army and sing. Can you picture this large army marching onto the field of battle led by a choir. Imagine if you will a scene from "Braveheart" and the warriors are led by a choir -- not the macho image that you would think strike terror.
God fought the battle for Israel that day. As they march and are led by people singing the praises of God, God confuses the armies and they ambush one another and destroy each other. When Israel confronts their enemies, they have been uterly destroyed, and for the next three days they take spoils, and on the fourth they bless God and return home with great joy.
I am reminded this morning that when the enemy looms large, it is a good thing to pray and seek God's guidance. I am reminded that God still speaks to His people through His Spirit. I am reminded that we need to live and act in faith. I am reminded that God is the one who will fight for us. I am reminded that praise is a wonderful weapon. I am reminded that the victory and spoils are ours. I am reminded to worship and celebrate the victories.
What threat or battle are you facing today? Are you going to spend some time praying and seeking God's wisdom and direction? Are you going to live as a victor by faith before the fact? Will you spend time today praising God? What enemy is He going to defeat for you today?
I needed to be reminded today, maybe you did too.
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After reading this passage again, I had a chance to actually think about how God reminds me to be prepared for anything. Like Jehosaphat and the Israelites I always seem to turn to God when I know I have no more tools to be victorious over a circumstance. The truth of the matter is I never have tools to be victorious. "I can do ALL things through CHRIST that strengthens me". It is through Him and only Him that I can be victorious.
Now the odds were definitely against Jehosaphat. There were three nations that combined together to take him out. Thank God he did not rely on the strength of his army or his ability to out manuver his enemy. He simply fell down and worshipped the LORD because he could NOT DO IT. Optimistically speaking, what an awesome position to be in. You either fold because your overwhelmed or you become confident that God will deliver you. I personally, would have looked for a way to compromise the battle for fear that I might lose, but "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but he has given unto us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind".
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