Trusting God's Plan in the Battle: Lessons From the Life of JehoshaphatEsimerkki

Day 14: God Answers

Yesterday, we studied Jehoshaphat’s prayer as the enemy was approaching. Today, we study God’s answer to that prayer. As the men, women and children of Judah stood at the temple grounds waiting to hear from the Lord, the Holy Spirit came upon a man named Jahaziel. He spoke the message of the Lord to the people. Let’s look closely at what God had to say about this battle.

“He said: “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.
• Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.
• You will not have to fight this battle.
• Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.
• Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
• Go out to face them tomorrow,
• and the Lord will be with you.’”

2 Chronicles 20: 15 - 17

We all need to take these words of God and bind them to our hearts! Do you hear what God is saying in this situation to his people? Don’t be afraid! The battle is God’s! I highlighted key words and put them in a bulleted format so that you can see each step that God is telling them to do.

The people certainly had their part to play in the battle. Did you see what that was? They had to take their positions, which means they had to go out to the battle and not hide from it. They also had to stand firm at the place of the battle. This meant not wavering or waffling or running away but standing firm. Then they had to face their enemies and watch as God battled for them.

Your homework is to print out 2 Chronicles 20: 15 - 17 and place it somewhere in your home. Whenever a big problem arises in your life, read those verses aloud and ask the same God who answered Jehoshaphat and his people to encourage you in your situation!

Questions:

1. What was something that God said in his answer that stood out to you?

2. What part did Jehoshaphat and the people play in this battle?

3. Of all the steps that the prophet laid out in God’s answer, what is one that you need more help applying in your life?