“Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah…and said, “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.…we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do no know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’”
2 Chronicles 20:5-6, 12 NIV
When King Jehoshaphat heard about the vast army marching against his kingdom, he was terrified and called everyone to fast and pray. I can certainly relate to Jehoshaphat’s feelings when I hear alarming news or see situations that I have no power to fix. This story gives great encouragement during such frightful moments.
It’s easy to focus on the bad stuff around, “God, look what the enemy is doing to me…Don’t You care how much I’m hurting? Things are never gonna change!” However, notice the theme of Jehoshaphat’s prayer. Instead of focusing on the power of enemy or his own impending doom, Jehoshaphat focused on the Ruler of all kingdoms, HIS power that defeated enemies in the past, and how they were trusting HIM now.
Jehoshaphat faced reality—he and his people had no power to defeat this enemy. But Jehoshaphat focused on a greater reality—GOD had all power over his enemy! It was to that God he prayed, and before that God he and the people bowed in worship (v 18). It was to that God the Levites stood and shouted praises. (v 19).
When we face the discouraging situations around us, we too can focus on the reality of God’s power and praise the God Who is over all.
And let's begin that praise the same time Jehoshaphat did—BEFORE we see the victory!
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