If not for God...

If not for God...  2 Chronicles 20.1-30

Good Day. 

When it comes to military combat, the general who is calling the shots, implementing the battle plan and strategy, is probably the single-most factor determining the victor—the one who will be left standing when all the smoke and dust has settled. General Joshua and his men vs. Jericho did not stand a chance of penetrating the walls of Jericho, no matter his battle plan … If not for God.  God had the battle plan and rolled it out for Joshua.¹  And as for Joshua and his men—well, they never had to fight.                                                         Every time there is an ‘if not for God’ in our lives,  victory is within reach if we                                                                                                                                    stop, drop, and pray, and then obey and trust our good and great God.

In my small circle of the world, I know several who are living in crisis mode—all because of different circumstances.  Sometimes, there is absolutely nothing we can humanly do to effect change, because we have done everything we know to do!  However, God is able and he will act on our behalf, in response to the prayers of those who place their trust in him, and turn to him in prayer.  It is ours to pray in faith, and his to come and do what only he can do.  He specializes in that ~ he loves if not for God.

Come with me to 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, in the Old Testament. [This story is an arrow you need for your quiver]  Please, get to a Bible, and read verses 1-30--an incredible story, or click here:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+20.1-30&a...

Here's the scene--Jehoshaphat is made aware that he is about to be attacked by a 'vast' army.  To say that his back is against the wall is an understatement, but his response is key.   Jehoshaphat prays to God for help, and declares a fast, and as a respected leader, the people heed his words.  From the temple courtyard, he stands and addresses his Commander in Chief, God.  Notice how he starts his prayer with adoration, and then recalls how God has taken care of the Jewish people up until this point.  He concludes his prayer with, "we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."  Find verse 12 and underline or highlight it in your Bible—it is a battle strategy for personal use.

The Lord hears his prayer and sends a message through Jahaziel to the people:  “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.”   For the battle is not yours, but God's. (verse 15)                     Jehoshaphat takes his strength from this word from God and then further encourages the faith of his people in God's deliverance.

What are you up against, my friend, trying to fight, control or solve on your own?  God is saying, 'do not be afraid or discouraged. . . the battle is not yours, but God's.'  Circle that promise in your Bible.  2 Chronicles 20.15

Could we stop right here, and pray?  From Southern California to New York, down to Florida to Portugal, the Netherlands, to Kenya and South Africa, the Philippines and Japan---let us join together in prayer:  “Dear God, we know that there are those amongst us who are up 'against it' right now. . . nothing escapes your notice, and nothing has caught you by surprise.  So, Father--won't you take our situations--the cancer diagnosis, the wayward young person, the terror of ISIL, the unrest in our homes, uncertainty on our jobs?  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you, Lord.  We will not be afraid, we will not let ourselves be discouraged. We take you at your word--the battle is not ours, but yours. Our trust is in you, sweet Lord.  Come, move. . . In your powerful name we pray, Amen.”

Meanwhile back on the hillside with Jehoshaphat . . . what happens?  Well, as his men are marching down to face the battle, Jehoshaphat appoints men to sing praises to God-- (can you just imagine what the opposition was thinking as they heard them coming?)-- so sure of the victory God had promised them (verse 17).  The opposing armies then turn on each other, destroy one another, and Jehoshaphat's men never have to fight!  Isn’t that wild?   Oh, how I love this story of God's faithfulness!  Just like Joshua’s men who defeated Jericho—they marched around the city, played trumpets and shouted … seriously?  If not for God, utter defeat.  God manned the battlefront.

What was the response of Jehoshaphat’s people?  Led by J, they went back into Jerusalem, went to the temple to praise God with musical instruments, giving him the glory he deserved.

How different things are when we are operating in God's economy--God did not just help J's armies, he caused the other armies to destroy each other so that J's men never had to fight the battle!  Note:  obedience to God’s marching orders was key.  Not much has changed in 3000 years.  God is still willing . . . no, not just willing, but wanting to fight our [just] battles.   Surrender to God whatever concerns you today; go ahead, he's big enough.

Man, I love a good story, especially when it shows the power of our God, wielded through the prayers of the faithful. 

Christine

1 – Joshua 6.1-21

2 – Memorize these key verses from 2 Chronicles 20 – especially verses 12, 15, and 17