“O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah was in a desperate situation. He was faced with the impossible task of fighting more than four kings with a vast army that had come against him. When a messenger came and told him that a great multitude is coming against him beyond the sea, he was fearful. Although in fear, he set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. He gathered everyone including women and small children! They stood before the Lord.
We see a beautiful pattern of prayer as Jehoshaphat prayed in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12.
- He acknowledged that God in heaven rule over all the nations.
- He declared that God’s hand is filled with power and might and no one can withstand Him.
- He confessed that God is personal and with gratitude remembers God’s divine interventions in the past.
- He trusted God will hear them whenever they pray from His sanctuary.
- He admitted his helplessness and total dependence on God.
God hears Jehoshaphat’s prayer and sends a messenger with a word of encouragement. Jehoshaphat didn’t wait for the victory but started worshiping the Lord the moment he heard God’s word. He knew that the One who promised is faithful to give them victory!
Indeed, God kept His word! He set an ambush and defeated Jehoshaphat’s enemies. The people of Judah took three days to collect the spoils! People who were fearful were now collecting spoils from a battle they never fought! And on the fourth day, they gathered at the Valley of Berachah to worship the Lord again.
“Prayer, faith and worship was Jehoshaphat’s strategy when faced with a desperate battle!”
We are in desperate times! Like Jehoshaphat, can we cry out to the Lord acknowledging that we are powerless against the enemy, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon Him! The Lord will certainly hear and answer us because the battle belongs to Him.
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace (Exodus 14:14).