Each year begins in a similar fashion or pattern - with joy, celebrations, enthusiasm and great expectations that the year will bring good tidings. But as the year unravels, we are confronted with socio-cultural, economic and political battles, challenges and uncertainties.
An account is given in the book of the 2nd Chronicles of what happened when the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. He was informed that the people of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir came to battle against him. And he feared greatly and set himself to seek the Lord by proclaiming a time of worship, prayer and fasting throughout the land.
“He stood in the assembly of Judah in the house of the Lord and prayed, “O Lord God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? Do you not rule over heaven and all kingdoms of nations? And in your hand, is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand you? Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever?”
“And they dwell in it and have built you a sanctuary for your name. If disaster comes upon them - sword, judgement, pestilence or famine - they will stand before the temple and in your presence and cry out to you in their affliction and you will hear and save them. And now the people of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir have come to throw us out of your possession which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not judge them? For we do not have power against this great multitude coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (2nd Chronicles 20:6-12).
Jehoshaphat waited upon the Lord and he gave him the assurance he needed by telling him not to be afraid. “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but the God’s. Tomorrow go down against them for the Lord is with you. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord; who is with you O Judah and Jerusalem!” (2nd Chronicles 20:15-17).
Jehoshaphat was a great and feared leader, had a large army and had a lot of experience in war. But he had a great challenge: he was surrounded by three enemy nations. He could have tried to engage ‘push and shove’ tactics but he knew that to successfully defeat them, he needed God’s favor, strength, guidance and wisdom.
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He then engaged the gear of worship, prayer and fasting. American author and attorney, Edward McKendree Bounds says, “Prayer is the most powerful tool God placed in the hands of a believer.”
Prayer has great benefits not to mention the relationship it creates with God. There is no other way to fight the forces of darkness other than by prayer. It opens the windows of heavens as God takes over and the situation ceases to be a burden to you.
Satan uses fear to causes stress, health problems, paralysis, crippling, robs us of joy and makes us miserable. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated! “Fear not for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you; I will strengthen you with my righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God will hold your right hand and help you” (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).
The word ‘dismayed’ in this context means that when you are in the midst of a battle, do not be stressed out or discouraged or disappointed or distraught or in tears or concerned or troubled.
Instead, position yourself for a breakthrough, victory and success. Stand still and see the salvation of the God. Do not only hear or talk of what God has done, open your eyes and see his salvation.
The battle is not yours, it belongs to the Lord! David knew this when he faced Goliath. The Lord is with you, so have the confidence to let him fight for you. Jehoshaphat went berserk praising the Lord because of the promise of victory that he gave him.
Bishop David Muriithi
Founder & Overseer
House of Grace International Ministries