“Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)
Prayer is a conversation, not a monologue. When you pray, don’t do all the talking! You can't build a friendship with God if you don’t let him talk to you.
How do you let God talk to you? Through the Bible. So much of what he wants to say to you is already in his Word. People are always looking for some sign, thinking, I wish God would tell me what he wants me to do. I wish he would write it in the sky. But God’s not going to write his will in the sky because he's already written it in a Book—the Bible!
Stop looking for a sign, and start looking at Scripture. Stop looking for a vision, and start looking for a verse. God's will is in God's Word. The more you read his Book, the more you're going to know what to do.
King Jehoshaphat was facing three enemy armies that teamed up and advanced against him and God’s people, Israel. Israel knew they didn’t have the strength to fight them. They knew that, in their own power, they would be defeated. So they prayed for help. This is what God said to them:
“‘Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s . . . You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!’ Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17-18 NLT).
Imagine an entire nation on the ground, on their knees, bowing down and worshiping God because he told them, "I'm going to take care of it."
Let Jehoshaphat's prayer of surrender be a model for you. And don't be afraid or discouraged! It's God’s battle, and he’ll handle it. Keep serving in your position. Wait, and watch what God does.
God has so many amazing promises for you. But you’ll never know about them until you open the Bible and start reading.
Is it difficult for you to focus when you’re reading the Bible? If so, what are some practical steps you can take to minimize distractions while reading God’s Word?
What would you do differently in your difficult situation if you believed that the battle you’re fighting is really God’s, not yours?
How can you encourage someone today by reminding them of God’s promises?