Lessons From Jehoshaphat
by Tanya Person
This story, found in 2 Chronicles 20, is one of my favourite Bible stories. There are so many wonderful elements for us to learn from.
King Jehoshaphat and Judah were being invaded by three armies. Their response was to look to God to save them. They knew they were powerless to fight these enemies, so they cried out to the Lord and asked Him what to do. So often we remember what God told us to do last time and assume we should do the same thing this time, we go about facing our problems in our own strength, or we ask God to give us strength, but we don’t ask Him what to do. We need to look to God for both strength and direction.
God told them to go out against the armies, but they wouldn’t have to fight. Another amazing concept! Go out as if you were going to fight, but knowing that God is going to deal with them before you arrive. They didn’t know what God was going to do, but in obedience they went out. I would be tempted to think, “Why even go out, then, if God is going to fight them for us?” Normally, we don’t know what God will do when we follow His leading, but we just need to be obedient.
As the Israelites were going out to face the invading armies, they started to praise the Lord. Often, we read about the worshippers going ahead of the Israelite armies. Worship helps us set our focus on God, and gives Him glory for who He is, what He’s done, and what He will do.
The Bible then says, ‘At the very moment they began to sing and give praise’, God made their enemies turn against each other. When the Israelites arrived, they found all the armies were dead, and so they gathered the plunder. There was so much it took them three days to gather it all. They were in the right place at the right time to receive God’s abundant provision. They would have missed out if they hadn’t gone. When we follow God’s leading, and obey when and where He tells us to go, we’ll see how He defeats our enemies, and provides for all our needs.
Let’s remember to keep our eyes on Jesus, and ask Him for today’s plan, and obey what He says.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times I haven’t looked to You for Your plan. I’ve tried to do things in my own way, or previous ways You’ve told me to do them. Please show me Your strategy for today, and help me to obey what You tell me to, even when I don’t understand why. Thank You for leading me and providing for all my needs. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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