Kings of the BibleSample

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Jehoshaphat was the godly king of Judah. In this moment he was also a terrified one. An overwhelming and terrifying force was marching against his people. Not a single foe but a united coalition of Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites. Their combined strength was overwhelming and their purpose singular – the destruction of Judah. Humanly speaking, his nation was about to be decimated. He was about to become the last king of Judah.

The news could have driven Jehoshaphat into frantic strategy meetings, yet instead he humbled himself and confessed his powerlessness before God. That honest prayer transformed his leadership. Jehoshaphat called the whole nation to fast and seek the Lord. As the people of Judah lifted their eyes above the looming threat of defeat, they glimpsed the limitless power, provision and protection of God. As they worshipped, God so confused the enemy they destroyed each other. The war was won without a sword being lifted by God’s people. Compounding the victory, the people entered their enemies’ camps, stepped around the self-inflicted carnage and gathered up the wealth left behind.

We all face battles that feel impossible. Often, our instinct is to leap in to win the victory ourselves, turning to God only when we’ve expired our own strength and wisdom. Jehoshaphat inverted the natural human response, choosing to stop, pray and seek God first. Whatever challenge you face today, consider Jehoshaphat’s response. Resolve to seek God first. In admitting our weakness and approaching God early, the battle is no longer ours, but His.

Written by DWAYNE JEFFRIES