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So often, we try to masterfully juggle all the pieces because we’re certain we have to be in control and it’s our battle to fight.
Although the pages of the Bible seem fragile, they’re filled with power, promises and truths that we just can’t ignore.
Those beautiful pages are where we find the roadmap on how to navigate life — even the battles that leave us feeling defeated before we even get out of bed in the morning.
It’s in those magnificent pages, where we can find that peaceful, joy-filled life that isn’t controlled by our circumstances.
We just have to open up the Bible and start reading.
A Lesson from King Jehoshaphat
Take King Jehoshaphat, for instance. We can learn a lot from him about how to face our daily battles.
In 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, we learn of the great battle King Jehoshaphat and his people faced. With an army of people marching against them, he knew they had no way of winning.
Can you imagine the fear they must have felt? How many times have you faced something you thought there was no way you’d make it?
But Jehoshaphat gives us the perfect battle plan to go up against every single struggle we‘ll ever face.
What the Bible Says About Our Battles
One of the most important things we learn is that God never planned for us to face life’s battles and hardships on our own.
In fact, as God reveals to a man named Jahaziel, it’s not our battle, but His!
He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT
It’s only been the last handful of years that I’ve learned how to confidently stand on exactly what that means.
Oh, I understood what the Bible teaches us. In fact, I could even paraphrase some of the more popular verses throughout the Bible.
But most of the time, the Bible felt like nothing more than mere platitudes. I felt that I couldn’t confidently ask God to stand up for me because I didn’t do anything to deserve it.
Sound familiar?
I’ve done some awful things in my past and thought, “Yeah, I know God has forgiven me, but I can’t be confident in His promises because I haven’t earned the right to do so.“
I’ve mishandled a lot of situations — oh heck, let’s just call it what it really is — I’ve screwed up more times than I care to count.
Does this hit a little close to home for you?
But here’s what I’ve learned.
No matter what we’ve done in our life, God’s promises don’t change because of something we have or haven’t done.
Here’s the thing, my friend. Even in our brokenness; even in our weakness, we serve a God who comes to our rescue.
He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Exodus 14:14 AMPC
King Jehoshaphat understood the promises of God and knew they were for him. Although he was afraid, he immediately jumped into action.
And we can follow his lead every time we go into battle.
A 4-Step Battle Plan For Trials and Challenges
- Seek God’s Guidance
3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. 2 Chronicles 2:3-4 NLT
Jehoshaphat and his people weren’t shy about seeking God’s guidance. In fact, as the verse tells us, he begged the Lord.
Before you step out and react to a situation you’re up against, go to God and seek His guidance.
- Praise the Lord
He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT
Before he did anything else, King Jehoshaphat praised God for all that He is.
The best line of defense against anything you’re up against in life is to praise God.
- Make the ask
After we spend time praising God, the next thing in our battle plan is to make that ask.
Just as Jehoshaphat and his people did, don’t be afraid to tell Him you don’t know how to get through this.
O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help. 2 Chronicles 20:13 NLT
- Stand firm
As the Spirit of God came upon a man in the crowd, He told them this battle was not theirs, but His, and…are you ready for it…you won’t even need to fight!
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
I mean, come on! How incredible is that?
How to Claim the Victory
How often do you jump out without stopping to ask God for His guidance? How often do you run into a battle on your own, certain you have to be the one to fight?
Yeah, me too, friend — for far too often.
The beauty is, it’s never too late, and there’s nothing you’ve done that can or will negate God’s promises in your life!
When you…
- Seek God’s guidance
- Praise Him for what He has and will do
- Stand firm and trust Him
…well, my friend, that’s when you’ll start enjoying life, no matter what’s going on around you!
“29 When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 30 So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles 20:29-30
And just like King Jehoshaphat and his people, God will pour out an abundance of blessings and peace, even in the trials.
