A Week of HopeSample

God is Fighting for You

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. -- 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NIV)

Three civilizations joined their armies to march against Jerusalem and God's people, the Israelites. Outnumbered and outmatched, King Jehoshaphat went straight to the Lord. God answered the king's prayer through a prophet: Do not be afraid. This isn't your battle; it belongs to the Lord.

On their way to the battlefield against a far superior enemy, the Israelites began praising God. They knew that God was the one who fought for them, heard their prayers, desired justice, and showed mercy. Though their situation was dire, they had hope because God took up their battle.

We may feel overwhelmed, anxious, uncertain, and fearful, but we don't fight these battles alone. When we call on the name of the Lord, He takes up our battles as His own. We can sing during hardship because of who is fighting for us.

What battles have you been fighting on your own? What has your response been?

Next Step

Look at the battles you’re fighting. Where does God play a part? Have you given the battle to Him? Think about your response in the battle. Have you been giving the enemy a foothold in your life because of how you’ve been responding? A foothold could be anything from anxiety caused by a diagnosis, bitterness because of how a relationship is trending, and so much more. Pray that the Lord will take control of the battle. Invite people to join you in prayer; do what the Lord says and praise Him every step of the way.