God Victorious - a 3-Day Devotional With Andrea OlsonSample

Day 3 –

Freedom from what’s behind us

No fear of what’s before us

We stand upon Your promise

Victory is Yours

Freedom from what’s behind us

No fear of what’s before us

We stand upon Your promise

Victory is ours

Lyrics from “God Victorious”

Several years ago, my family and I witnessed a miracle so incredible that it changed us forever. 

We knew that our situation was dire without miraculous intervention. I was afraid and felt so helpless. Even so, I did what I could do. I worshipped, day after day. It was the only place that felt peaceful. And the Holy Spirit continually prompted me to keep worshipping through it, which was hard. But, as we learned yesterday, it was exactly where I needed to be. 

During this season, a friend shared 2 Chronicles 20 with me. It reminded me of what our family was facing. An obstacle that we were ill-equipped to overcome. In this chapter, King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites were facing a battle against a powerful enemy, and they were terrified. But, the Lord spoke to them and said in verses 15-17: 

“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. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 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!”  (NLT)

And then, in verse 21, it says that they instructed the worshippers to walk ahead of the army, singing praises to God and declaring His splendor on the way into battle. 

Can you imagine? How hard must it have been to walk that out with complete trust? But, they stepped out in faith, and guess what? The Lord delivered them, just as He said He would. 

This passage greatly impacted me, so I started praying it over our situation. That God would take on the fight and bring His victory. I knew that I couldn’t do anything in my power to fix it, so I did what I knew I could. I worshipped my way through as God fought for us.  Of course, it was an active waiting because I had to choose to bring the sacrifice of praise. And we had to march forward in faith, just like the Israelites did, to journey through our trial. As I did, I watched our seemingly insurmountable obstacle dissolve into nothing. God took over and won while I worshipped.  It was undeniable that He had intervened and worked a miracle.

Reading the rest of 2 Chronicles 20, you will see how worship was a pivotal piece to their battle, just like it was for ours. And it’s still a crucial piece of our daily lives. As you go forward today, remember that worship is vital. What battle are you facing in this season? Whatever your struggle or sorrow, take a moment today to stop, worship, and thank God for all He has done. Write it down so you can look back and be encouraged.  It may feel like a sacrifice, but it aligns us to the heart of God and connects us to our Source of life.  And as you rest in this place of peace, remember that God is moving on your behalf and fighting your battles.  Friend, today you can go forth in strength and freedom because God victorious is on your side!