Against the Odds
13. As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children,
14. the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.
15. He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
16. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.
17. But 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.” 2 Chronicles 20:13-17
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The odds are often against us in life. Finances, for example, are a continual struggle for many. Work always seems to exact much too high a price for the little reward it returns.
In this reading, the odds are against Jehoshaphat and his army. They’re no match for the combined forces that are moving against them. But Jehoshaphat loves God and follows him. Although Jehoshaphat doesn’t have military might, he is on God’s side. Jehoshaphat keeps his trust in God throughout his military exploits, despite his allies’ lack of faith. As you read this passage, look for the secret of Jehoshaphat’s success.
Other lessons in this section include leading others in Bible reading and prayer; how not to take advice; and how to exercise authority.
As the enemy bore down on the army of Judah, God spoke through the prophet Jahaziel: “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged . . . for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
We may not physically fight an enemy army, but every day we battle temptation, pressure, and “mighty powers in this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12), who want us to fail or to stop doing good. Remember that we who are believers have God’s Spirit in us. If we ask for God’s help when we face struggles, God will fight for us. And God always wins.
How can you let God fight for you? (1) By realizing the battle is not yours, but God’s; (2) by recognizing human limitations and allowing God’s strength to work through your fears and weaknesses; (3) by making sure that you are pursuing God’s interests and not just your own selfish desires; (4) by asking God for help in your daily battles; (5) by not forcing outcomes that are not yours to control; (6) by trusting that God is in control and not panicking; and (7) by doing your part and trusting God with the results (see 2 Samuel 10:12).
