King Jehoshaphat was one of the few righteous kings of Judah. He was a “hands-on” type of ruler. The Bible says he “went out again among the people” and “turned them back to the Lord.” He appointed judges over Judah and warned them to make decisions with the fear of God upon them.

When threatened by their enemies, Jehoshaphat called the people together and appealed to the Lord for his intervention. The Lord heard his prayers and put his Spirit upon a Levite named Jahaziel, who prophesied, “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 Chron. 20:17 (NIV).

King Jehoshaphat did as the Lord had directed, even sending a worship team before the armies of Judah. The Lord gave them a mighty victory that day.

We each face our own battles, for the enemy of our souls likes nothing better than to destroy. But God wants to give us an overwhelming victory. God’s message to Jehoshaphat and the people through Jahaziel contained steps of spiritual warfare.

1) “Take up your position; stand firm” as beloved, blood-bought children of God clad in his armor. (Eph. 6:10-17)

2) “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." We are not to give way to fear and shrink back.

3) Then “go out to face them” with the Lord’s name and his praise on our lips, trusting him to go before us and fight for us!

PRAYER: Thank you, Father, that as your children, you have given us the victory through your Son, Jesus, and that you go ahead of us into the battles of our lives, strengthening us and fighting on our behalf. Amen