Victory from the Lord
Today we received moisture in the form of rain and snow that we missed yesterday. OurĀ Colorado spring has been interrupted by a touch of winter. I traveled to Denver once again for a legislative committee hearing regarding a physical therapy bill that I have been consulting on. I was pleased that a compromise was reached and a change 
made to keep this issue “on the table.”
My travels to Denver went better than expected, but coming home later in the day was more of a challenge. But overall, I did well for a long afternoon.
Christian and Bridget and the children are on vacation in California this week. They shared this picture of Christian with Eliana (almost 4). After a long day, Ellie said, “I’m not tired, Daddy, I’m just resting my head.”
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You will not have to fight this battle. Just take up your positions and wait; you will see the Lord give you victory. People of Judah and Jerusalem, do not hesitate or be afraid. Go out to battle, and the Lord will be with you!ā (2 Chronicles 20:17)
This promise comes from one of the most dramatic military victories for God’s people. It is somewhat reminiscent of the armies of Israel walking around the walls of Jericho. Instead, this time the armies march out lead by the “choir” declaring āPraise the Lord! His love is eternal!ā That is not your normal battle cry; but the words were not to frighten the enemy they were intended to extol the character of the Lord. This victory was not because of the righteousness of the people, but because of the love and mercy of the Lord.
The verses above are great words of encouragement from the Lord to King Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah.Ā These are words that we would like to hear in the “battles” that we face in our lives today. But there were two significant keys to this message of encouragement and the victory that came to God’s people.
First, they sought the Lord. The news came that a large army from Edom with allies were coming against Jerusalem. They had already captured some of the cities of Judah. This was the King’s response, “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the Lord for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country.Ā From every city of Judah people hurried to Jerusalem to ask the Lord for guidance…King Jehoshaphat went and stood before themĀ and prayed aloud….” (2 Chron. 20:3-6)
It would have been easy to rely on military strategies or to look for a neighboring King to come to their aid. But Jehoshaphat, knew the only and best recourse was to seek the Lord. He lead the way and then called to people to fast and gather to seek the Lord. It is out of their time of fasting and prayer that the Lord speaks and gives them assurance of victory.
We like the “word from the Lord” but often we fail to place ourselves in a position to receive that word when we don’t seek the Lord.
Second, they obeyed the Lord. The armies still needed to step out and be ready to engage in the battle. Anxiety was still high at the overwhelming odds they were facing. The prophet spoke God’s word to the people once again, “…the Lord says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you…” (2 Chron. 20:15)
What followed next was the instruction to be ready to attack. As they prepared to go out for battle the King spoke these words, “Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.ā (2 Chron. 20:20) I notice that passages reveal the King and people continue to seek the Lord and worship Him. The King gives the directions and the people respond. I’m sure no army ever went to battle with the “choir” going in front of them. This was more of a parade than preparation for battle. But the end result was a “victory parade,” because no sword was swung or arrow shot. The Lord brought confusion to the enemy and they turned on each other and God’s people just moved in and picked up the “spoils of war.”
Victory comes our way when we follow the Lord’s direction; even if it doesn’t seem to make sense. We never know to what extent our involvement will be, when the Lord fights for us. At times the Lord brought victory to His people as they fought. At other times, He brought victory without them fighting. Our task is to trust, obey and leave the results to the Lord.