Behind every great victory is a great battle. Behind every substantial breakthrough is a substantial fight. If you are facing an intense battle, give God praise because your trial is a blessing in disguise.
When King Jehoshaphat experienced a major attack in 2 Chronicles 20, he was naturally overwhelmed, but he knew how to get ahold of God, and the Lord came through for him in a way he least expected.
Stand Your Ground
Three nations had declared war on Jehoshaphat, and they prepared to destroy him and all of Judah. Satan had strategically stirred these countries against Judah because he knew the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Jehoshaphat would be an ancestor of Jesus, and Satan was trying to do everything in his power to prevent the coming of Christ.
But the enemy always overplays his hand. God knows how to take what the devil means for evil and turn it around in your favor. God has a plan for your life, and when you are connected to his plan, there is nothing the enemy can do about it.
God gave Judah that land, and he has given you a promise, so refuse to allow the enemy to steal your inheritance. Stand your ground and resist the devil. God told you, “It’s yours,” so roll up your sanctified sleeves and fight back.
Pray and Praise
Jehoshaphat went to war in the spirit, and he gathered the entire nation. And they prayed and fasted and sought the Lord’s guidance. Jehoshaphat then began to remind God of all the mighty miracles he had done for their ancestors. And as he poured out his heart, the Holy Spirit came upon Jahaziel, and he began to prophesy under the anointing.
“Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV). “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord…” (verse 17).
When Jehoshaphat and Judah heard this powerful word of encouragement, they immediately began praising God. And the next day, when they prepared to face their enemies, they decided to put the praise team in front of the army.
A Ridiculous Breakthrough
And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord himself began to fight on his people’s behalf. And he confused their enemies, so they turned on each other until they had completely annihilated one another.
These armies had looted several other nations, and when they attacked Judah, they brought all their plunder with them. Now that they were defeated, God gave Judah a supernatural wealth transfer. All they had to do was collect the spoils. “And they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much” (verse 25).
And the same God who delivered Judah is the same God who will give you a breakthrough that doesn’t make sense. You may be in an intense fight right now, feeling like you are surrounded and outnumbered, but the same God who brought you out before will do it again. You are coming out of this fight more than a conqueror.
A Season of Rest
God is about to bring you into a season of rest. For many of you, it has just been one intense battle after the next, and you have been crying out for rest. God is about to answer your prayers. He will lead you beside the still waters and restore your soul. The Bible says, “So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about” (verse 30).
Be encouraged. All hell has been breaking loose in your life because you are on the brink of a breakthrough that will revolutionize your life and the lives of those connected to you. You are not reading this by coincidence. The Holy Ghost is ordering your steps. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
God is on your side, and he is working on your behalf. And you will appreciate the breakthrough when it comes because it did not come cheaply. You will be thankful you went through the process because it strengthened your faith, and you witnessed a side of God you have never seen before. Your struggle is not in vain. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.
God bless,
Pastors Sean Pinder
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