Pastor’s Corner: “Trust God to Fight for You”
2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV) – Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s
Whether we recognize it or not, this truth daily confronts us: we face an enemy here in this life. It’s more than what we can see before us. It’s more than another person who we think has wronged us. It’s more than our own struggles and weaknesses we deal with, or the negative self-talk we sometimes battle. This enemy is real and fierce. He will stop at nothing to bring you and I to defeat and destruction.
Any lifeguard can explain that you can’t save anyone as long as they’re trying to save themselves. If you try, that person will just pull you down, too. So you have to tread water until they finally give up, and then it’s easy. You just put a hand over their shoulder, and you swim back to shore. It’s the same with our relationship with God. When we try to fight through life’s troubles on our own, we sink. Instead, God wants us to stop fighting and trust him to do the work.
God taught Israel’s army that lesson. Three enemy armies were preparing to battle against them. Israel was far outnumbered. But instead of worrying, King Jehoshaphat led his army to worship God by depending on him to save them. He prayed, “We don’t know what to do—we are begging for your help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 CEV). Then God said to them: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV).
There are three very important things Jehoshaphat did. First, he admitted that he had no might to stand against his enemies. Second, he admitted that he did not know what to do. And third, he said that their eyes were on God. These three things put Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah in a position for a miracle.
In a similar way, we need to realize that we are totally dependent on God to solve our problem and fight our battles—we can’t do it on our own! The story in 2 Chronicles continues: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you . . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV).
Aren’t those strange orders? God is telling Israel’s army to go to the battlefield, but not fight. In whatever you are facing today, that’s what God is asking from you, too. He’s asking you to stand strong, in quiet confidence in him. He’s asking you not to be afraid or discouraged. If you run from your enemies—from your problems—those things never will get better. God wants you to face your enemies, while trusting him to deliver you from them. Whatever you’re fighting today, trust God to win the battle for you.
Reflect:
- What is one battle in your life that you need to let the Lord fight for you?
- What is holding you back from giving it to Jesus?
- What is one step you can take today to let Him fight for you?
Prayer: Lord, I understand there will be times when I face troubles and difficulties. Help me to let You fight my battles, trusting You to show up in my situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton