Things happen in life – both good and bad.  When things are going well, we are happy and testify of the goodness of God.  It is much more difficult to do that when things are not so good.  It is at these times especially we need to learn to keep our eyes on the answer rather than the current circumstances

2 Chronicles 20:12

Background

Jehoshaphat became king.  He was a righteous man who followed in his fathers footsteps and instituted righteous judges in the provinces and taught the people the word and laws of God.  After an alliance with Ahab where he was prevented from certain death by the hand of the Lord, he returned with great favor among his people.

In spite of all the things he did right, things turned ugly for him. A number of enemy kings aligned themselves against Jehoshaphat and he became afraid.  His response gives us some valuable lessons on how to handle the onslaught.

1.Seek the Lord vs 3. 

His first response to the situation that caused fear was to set himself to seek the Lord.  This is more than just doing daily devotions – it is enquiring of the Lord and not giving up till He responds.

He proclaimed a fast that included wives, children and infants.  We have got to teach our entire family to seek the Lord.

Prayer is not a “penny-in-the-slot” type action.

Learn to ask according to/for His will and with the right motives.  James 4:3

Some things he has given us the “title deed” for – faith is the substance and evidence (title deed).  Other things are just a wish list!

2.Fix your eyes on Jesus vs 12 

Natural logic doesn’t work.  Human reasoning is simply that – it may sound logical but if it’s not God’s Word it is VERY LIMITED.  His ways, thoughts and works are higher than ours!

When you don’t feel you have enough faith keep your eyes on Him – He is the Author (the chief, the instigator) and Perfecter (completer, consummator) of your faith.

That means, when you don’t have faith, He instigates and perfects faith.  Too many give up on the verge of a miracle because they didn’t allow Him to complete the work He had begun

3.Recognize the battle is the Lords vs 15 – 17

You only need to stand firm. Vs 17  There is a time to stand still and a time to go forward.  It’s the difference between:

Faith and presumption

Resolve and stubbornness

So how do we know what God is saying?  Go back to #2 – Eyes on Jesus!

“Do not be afraid or dismayed”.   

Afraid – Hebrew – to fear; to be in awe; to reverence

Israel was in awe of Goliath and it paralyzed them – even prohibited them from defeating the Philistines.  Fear will allow the enemy to dictate the terms of the fight.

Dismayed – Hebrew - to be shattered; be broken, be beat down; be discouraged.

This is the devils plan for us – to steal, kill and destroy.  It’s also God’s plan through Jesus for the devil – For this purpose the Son of God was manifest; to DESTROY the works of the evil one.

“Don’t fear” usually comes when there is something to be afraid of. 

You can believe your circumstances or you can believe God’s Word!

It’s one thing for our fear to drive us TO God.  This is what Jehoshaphat did when he found out that he was in trouble.Be careful that your fear doesn’t drive you FROM Him.  Remember HE is fighting.

2.Learn and use the power of praise. Vs  18-22

Praise team went first.

Judges 1:2  Judah (praise) shall go first.  I have delivered the land (enemies) into his hand.

Praise to God was given before during and after the battle. Vs19, 21, 28

Keep praising – even when the battle seems long.  Praise Him that He is fighting, not you!  Remember the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (natural) but are mighty through God to the pulling down of the enemy’s strongholds.

Conclusion

The end result was that God set an ambush and without the people having to fight, the enemies destroyed each other.

Get ready to go in and take the spoils. There was an abundance vs 25

Rejoice in God and he will cause you to rejoice over your enemies.vs 27

Micah 7:8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy.  When I fall I will arise.  When I sit in darkness the Lord will be a light to me.

It will turn around – the fear will be on the enemies. Vs 29

Your beliefs become your thoughts.

Your thoughts become your words.

Your words become your actions.

Your actions become your habits.

Your habits become your values.

Your values become your destiny.