Facing The Battles of Life

No one likes facing battles, yet life can at times be very challenging and it is a fact of life, that we will all face various battles whether they be financial, physical, or spiritual.  The big question we must answer is "how will we deal with the battle?"  In today's post, I want to share with you an Old Testament story of how King Jehoshaphat faced a serious battle but won it only through the help and strength of God (2 Chronicles 20:4-12).

What Jehoshaphat Did

As Israel faced the armies of the Moabites and the Ammonites, Jehoshaphat took six very important actions to ensure that Israel would win the battle.

• He set himself to seek the Lord, and he fasted.  In 2 Chronicles 20:3 once Jehoshaphat realized what was about to happen, he immediately "resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah."  Jehoshaphat knew that his army was no match for the armies coming against him, so he turned to the One what was a match...the Almighty God. You can't handle many of the battle in your own ability.  Turn to God, seek His counsel and fast if necessary.
• He asked God's help (v. 4).  People from all over Judah came to seek help from the Lord.
  
  No battle is "too small" for God.  Never be ashamed to seek God's help in every situation. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus told his disciples that if a earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask.
• He acknowledged God's ability, and rehearsed past victories (v. 6-8).  You have to remember that God is bigger than any problem or battle you have faced, are facing  now, or will face!  Thank Him for past victories knowing with full confidence that future victories are in store!
• He identified the problem so it could be solved (v. 12).  Don't ignore the problem. Speak about it to God in prayer.  Even though God knows what it is, it's important for you to tell Him in prayer.  This is the beginning to seeing the problem solved.
• He identified the enemy so he could defeat him (v. 12).  Jehoshaphat knew the enemy was to vast an army for them to handle.  He acknowledged he didn't know what to do, but he knew God did!  Know who your enemy is.  Acknowledged them to God and allow God to fight for you.
• He put his eyes on the Lord (v.12).  We have to get our eyes off the problem and on to God! The Psalmist David declared "I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1).  Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith!  He will deliver you!

How To Win The Battle

I want to close with nine guidelines for helping you win the battle.

• Don't be afraid.  Fear paralyzes, shuts down creativity and locks up wisdom of God (v. 15).
• Don't be dismayed or discouraged (v. 15).
• Know that the battle is God's not yours (v. 15).
• Your part is to put your faith in God not yourself.
• Your job is to believe the Word and act on what you believe.
• Know that God will give you a plan (v. 16).  This comes through prayer and meditation.
• Stand still; position yourself; don't give up (v. 17).
• Worship the Lord (v. 18).
• Be confident that the Lord will give you the victory (v. 19-23).

What are the battles you are facing today?  Will there be different ones tomorrow?  Be ready for them.  Don't be taken by surprise and when the battle comes follow the steps of Jehoshaphat to ensure you have a winning battle!

Pastor Temple