Christian Living

Rumors of war flitted from one home to the next and hearts throughout the city pounded with fear. The conquests of the enemy were well known. Could God protect His people from a threat this formidable? As the sun edged its way above the horizon, a messenger burst into the king’s chambers and stopped short.

Jehosaphat knelt in prayer.

His mouth forming an ‘o’, the man wondered at the ruler’s calm worship. Didn’t he understand the gravity of the situation?

Murmuring low words of thanks to God, Jehosaphat rose and nodded toward the man who had disturbed the hushed room. Striding toward a chair, the king asked, “What have you learned?”

The unwelcome words erupted. “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (2 Chronicles 20:2).

The king gripped the edge of the chair and closed his eyes. The people depended upon him.

No. They depend upon Me.

Where Spiritual Victory Begins

King Jehosophat breathed deep as God spoke to his heart. With each inhale, hope replaced fear and a few hours later, he rallied the people–encouraging them with these words,

“If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.” (2 Chronicles 20:9)

Have you heard the pounding of the Enemy’s boots from afar? Heeded the stirrings of what the Enemy might do? Felt the impact of his attempts to battle against you in your life? I’ve been in that place, as well.

Jehosophat teaches us that spiritual victory begins in humility before our Lord–in a place of seeking wisdom and declaring dependence on our knees. Jehosophat teaches us that spiritual victory begins in humility before our Lord--in a place of seeking wisdom and declaring dependence on our knees. Click To Tweet

Jehosophat teaches us that spiritual victory begins in humility before our Lord–in a place of seeking wisdom and declaring dependence on our knees.

Three More Keys to Spiritual Victory

I love this incredible story of deliverance from battle. Faced with an overwhelming prospect, the king called on the people to fast and pray. God’s response?

“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 20:17)

The next day, the men prepared ambushes and the “men [sang] to the LORD …for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army…” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Three keys to spiritual victory we can glean from King Jehosophat’s battle include the following:

• when we face personal battles, individual and corporate fasting and prayer are powerful.
• at times, we must take a stand. However, the Lord is the one who hears and saves.
• even when we engage in the war, God deserves praise and honor. He is reason enough for celebration.

The Final Component to Spiritual Victory

“When the Israelites return from war, “the fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.”

The fourth component of spiritual victory involves impact. Do we influence people for Christ? Although Jehosophat lived before Christ, God’s glory rested on Him. As believers, how much more should the love and light of Jesus shine through us? (Matthew 5:14-16)

Taking Action

Action Step (Option One) This week, fast from a meal, social media, or another significant area/item in your life. Invite God to use that time of fasting to meet with you as you pray for spiritual victory in your life. Drop a line and let me know how I can pray for you.

Action Step (Option Two) Write a prayer or song of praise that honors and celebrates God for the goodness and gifts in your life.

Peace and grace,
Tammy

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