Winning by Worship

Before you read any of what I am about to say, pick up your Bible and read 2 Chronicles 20. "Brianne, you want me to read out of the Old Testament?" Yes, I do. Follow along with me. Ask yourself what you could learn out of it.

In this story, three armies were coming to battle the kingdom of Judah. Judah was a bit nervous. The King Jehosephat (sweetest name ever) called the kingdom together to seek the Lord's face on what they were to do. When they came together, they all put their focus on God and made Him bigger than the problem. One of my favorite verses in this chapter is verse 12 where it says, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

In the midst of this, God's Spirit came upon Jahaziel and he said, "Do not be afraid at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." How easy would it be to be afraid knowing that three armies are coming after you, your land, your wealth, all of your possessions, your livelihood? I'd be a little scared.

The amazing thing is the next day Jehosephat's army went our early. Looking at the circumstances would have been very discouraging. Instead of being negative and looking at their resources, Jehosephat stood out and told his people to remember what the Lord had said to them. He told them to believe in the Lord and they will succeed. Know what his next plan was? Send the worshippers out in front. How's that for strategy? This next part is my favorite; the worshippers go out and they sing and shout, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever!" Is that the song that you would be singing right before you go into a battle you were pretty sure was impossible to win? How many people can say that when that is about to take place?

My friend, battles come. Notice Judah didn't back away, they stood and fought. We, as Christians in this generation, are going to have to believe in what the Lord has said to succeed. We are going to have to Praise Him for His enduring love above ALL other things no matter what the situation looks like. Who actually, in adversity, thinks right off the bat, "I'm not going to think about what I don't know, but Who I do know and His love endures forever. He always causes me to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)."

That day the kingdom of Judah won against three armies. THREE! Not just one or two, but every single one that rose up against them. Not only were their adversaries killed, but for three days after the battle Judah's army took all the spoils from the enemy. For three days they carried stuff! That's a lot of stuff!

This generation is facing some tough battles. God never said they wouldn't come. Sometimes the battles go on, but do you know who you trust? Are you willing to go into a battle and before a sword is even drawn say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever"?

The battles we face may seem impossible. We may feel as though we are completely inadequate. Do not focus on your own inadequacies but on His ability. With God, ALL things are possible.