The Battles Belong to God

Have you ever worried and wondered how you were going to make it out of certain situations in life? We are all faced with problems and all kinds of situations in our day to lives. It is very easy, for us when faced with problems maybe financial, spiritual, physical or even emotional to try and fix them for ourselves. I have countless times been faced with situations (I like to call them mountains) and had no clue what to do. As a result, of not giving the problem to God, I either tried to find shortcuts out of the situation or tried to find a solution on my own. Needless to say, my efforts and attempts to solve my own problems were not successful many a time. God wants us to surrender the issues in our lives and to rest in Him with the confidence that He has everything under control. The confidence that He loves us as our Father and would like to take the loads off our shoulders. The confidence that HE ALONE FIGHTS OUR BATTLES.

During the time of King Jehoshaphat (approximately 860 BC), several armies began to invade the land of Judah. Being greatly outnumbered, Jehoshaphat called for a nation-wide time of fasting and prayer to seek guidance from God: "O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The king needed to formulate a plan. He was the appointed leader and responsible for the safety of his people. King Jehoshaphat's "plan" was to place the fate of the entire nation into the hands of God. Many see such action as weakness, but it took great strength to recognize he was powerless - even greater strength to know where to turn and Who to trust!

God answered King Jehoshaphat's cry for help through a Levite named Jahaziel.

2 Chronicles 20:14-15
"Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel...'Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."'"

Knowing that our battles belong to God is great comfort when we face trials which appear much bigger than anything we can handle. But there is more to the story! God didn't tell Jehoshaphat to just sit in his tent while the battle was won. Rather, He gave specific instructions to confidently stand before the enemy.

2 Chronicles 20:16-17
"Tomorrow march down against them...{But} you will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."

Since we are residents in this world (but not of this world)at the moment, It's inevitable that our life will contain such battles - many are facing overwhelming battles right now. And as with everything we encounter on our Christian walk, battles have a purpose. Many times the purpose of our battle is to understand a fundamental truth: "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Reaching the end of our own strength is the real battle. Turning to God and trusting Him for every step of our walk is the real victory!

If we will trust Him with all our hearts and seek counsel in His presence, He will tell us where to march and where to stand. Not only will He show us where to go but He will make our paths straight. Let's boldly follow our Lord each and every day and refuse to become discouraged. He is in absolute control...for these ARE God's battles! God has a great plan for each and everyone but we must yield and empty ourselves in Him. God will NEVER change His mind about you and me...so we need to come to a place of daily trusting in His unfailing Love for us.
THIS IS OUR GOD!!


Have a blessed day!!