When the Battle Feels Too Bigናሙና

“So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees. With my hands lifted high”

How do you react when you realize a battle is in front of you?

When faced with hardship, most of us fall into a pattern of compliance or utter defeat. We feel angry or exhausted, and we can’t focus on anything but the burden on our backs

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat finds himself in a similar state. His kingdom of Judah was about to be attacked by Moab and Ammon. His people were scared and told him of “A vast army coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea”. (v. 2).  Now, this moment would have been terrifying for Jehoshaphat and his men. The Israelites had been living in the Promised Land for many years, and the idea of the Moabites and Ammonites overtaking their land would have been incredibly disheartening. When this news arrives to King Jehoshaphat, he had various options, yet he chose to inquire the Lord first. His action lead all of Judah to fast and seek help from the Lord. 

There is so much to take away from this part of scripture. The first is King Jehoshaphat’s willingness to counsel the Lord first through prayer and fasting. He did not complain or sulk. He did not consult military leaders nor did he shrug off the news. Instead, he was alarmed but chose to seek the Lord. 

“Battle Belongs,” says ‘So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees. With my hands lifted high’ which is a beautiful picture of exactly how Jehoshaphat chose to fight the battle in front of Him. He chose to seek the Lord’s help first and foremost, and this made all the difference. 

It’s also very notable that Jehoshaphat did not pray alone. Verse 3 explains that “he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah”. He knew that an army of people on their knees in prayer was stronger than any other army on earth. 

Take a moment to think of a battle that you currently face. Now, take another moment to call out to the Lord. 

Lord, I know this battle starts on my knees in prayer, with my hands lifted high to you, the greatest fortress of all. You will go before me and I thank you for that. Lord, reveal to me today who I can ask to pray alongside me in this. Lord, meet me in the midst of this battle and equip me according to your will. Amen.

Pray this prayer throughout your day and listen to “Battle Belongs” to remember the truth: the battle always belongs to God!