This Is How I Fight My BattlesSample

The Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God

Yesterday we saw that King Jehoshaphat was a man of great faith, as demonstrated by his humility and determination to seek the Lord. How do we increase our faith like Jehoshaphat? How do we strengthen and widen our shield? By taking up another spiritual weapon that our Heavenly Father has bestowed: The Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

The Bible says, "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). It also says, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17 NKJV).

King Jehoshaphat didn't need these New Testament references to teach him the importance of Scripture to build his faith. He knew the power of the Word of God. He demonstrated the belief, love, and value he had for God's Word through his actions. In this we see a reflection of his forefather, David, who wrote: "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97). Besides Jesus, who was the Word, I don't think there is another person in the Bible who loved God's Word more than David. Psalm 119 is a lengthy love letter about his passion, desire, and gratitude for God's instruction and law. And Jehoshaphat followed in these footsteps.

2 Chronicles 17 through 20 shows us that Jehoshaphat sought the Word of God, and "yearned with all his desire for the Lord" (17:4 AMPC). This was a pattern in his life. Jehoshaphat didn't just seek the Lord's Word when he was under attack, but it was his go-to strategy during times of peace and when he faced important decisions.

Jehoshaphat repeated the Word of God. The Bible tells us that during his reign, King Jehoshaphat took the Book of the Law of the Lord throughout the land of Judah and taught the people. And during his powerful prayer of humility in Chapter 20, Jehoshaphat repeats who God says He is in His Word and the promises He gave to His people.

Is it any wonder then, that Jehoshaphat receives the Word of God? "The Lord says to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." Jehoshaphat is then given specific instructions. "Tomorrow go down to them... You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:15-17 AMPC).

I think the most important demonstration of his faith, is that Jehoshaphat obeys the Word of God. He learned this the hard way. In 2 Chronicles Chapter 18, we see that Jehoshaphat sought, repeated, and received the Word of the Lord, but didn't obey it - and God delivered him by the skin of his teeth. By Chapter 20, he is wiser. The Word of the Lord tells him, "Tomorrow, go down to them." And we see Jehoshaphat's eagerness to obey because it says, "And they rose early in the morning and went out."

Armed with his shield of faith and sword of the Word of God, Jehoshaphat then stands in front of his army and gives them a pep talk that rivals the heroic speeches of William Wallace, Aragorn Son of Arathorn, and Maximus Decimus Meridias combined:

"Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper" (v. 20 AMPC).

Do you wonder how to build your faith in the midst of your battles? Be like Jehoshaphat. Take up the sword God has given you. Get in the Word of God and get the Word of God in you. Get to know who God is and what He promises you through His Word.

When anxiety mounts an attack, cut it down with His promises of peace (Philippians 4:6-7). When financial stress hits, fight it off with His promises to provide (Philippians 4:19). When illness occurs, speak healing to your body in the Name of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). When you're not sure what to do, ask for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally (James 1:5).

Seek it. Repeat it. Receive it. Obey it. And you, too, shall prosper.

Let's Pray:

God, thank you for giving me the Sword of the Spirit - Your Word. I believe it is powerful, alive, and active. Give me the desire to learn, understand, and meditate on Your Word. Help me to seek after your Word, repeat it, receive it into my heart, and give me the courage to obey it. I love you, Lord. Amen.

Take Action:

Highlight or bookmark three scriptures in the Bible App today that apply to a situation you’re struggling with and speak them out loud. As you do, imagine striking down the enemy with your Sword of the Spirit.