Battle Belongs to the Lord!

So often we who have been called to minister in dark places get to be believing that we need to personally do battle with the forces of evil. That is, we go out looking for a fight, seeking Satan's servants that we might, through the exercise of the spiritual authority we believe God has given us, vanquish evil from our midst. And, by doing so demonstrate to those around us not only that God is great and powerful, but we also.

I was reading this morning in 2Chronicals 20 about king Jehoshephat's conflict with a great and powerful hoard of Moabites and Ammonites. The king's response to this impending attack is to pray, not fight! Jehoshephat's first act is to turn to Yahweh, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (20:12)

His example to the assembly (read leaders) caused them to pray also, and their obedience encourage the whole nation to do likewise. "All Judah with their little ones, wives and children, stood before the Lord." (20:13) God spoke through the prophet Jahaziel (surprise, surprise!) And said, "Do not be afraid...Do not be dismayed...for the battle is not your, but God's" (20:15) "You do not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf". (20:17) Yahweh moved mightily that day to defeat a great army, and not one weapon of Judah was raised!

How often do we create destruction for ourselves and others when we presume to do battle that belongs to the Lord? What do you think might happen in our small community if the leadership, both religious and secular...instead of arming ourselves and wading into the fray, were to come before the Lord in prayer and song, accepting that the battle is already won and giving thanks for God's great mercy? ". Who knows what we might see?

"Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever" (20:21). Do you believe it?
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry