What is your battle strategy?

2 Chronicles 20: 12
“O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

To say that the Israelites were in a pickle would be putting it lightly. Years of bad kings, enemy conquests, and disobedience had wrecked havoc on the struggling nation, but King Jehoshaphat, was now in control, providing a fresh breath of God fearing integrity to Judah. Word came that yet another oncoming invasion was threatening. The enemy Moabites were closing in quickly, and from the looks of it, the outcome did not seem favorable. (Vs2 “A vast army is coming against you from Edom”.)

As I read the build up, and anticipate immediate military action on Judah’s part, I am caught off guard by the actions of Jehoshaphat. Instead of instinctively sending forth every able bodied man woman and child to front line defense strategies, he takes time to inquire of the Lord. He calles a fast for all of Judah, and (vs. 3) brings the entire assembly together, using precious moments, hours, and possibly days to pull in the outlying towns and communities. They do not rally or gather weaponry, but, in fervent humility and urgency they pray, fast, and…wait. Yes, wait. Can you imagine nervous army personnel; hearts pounding nervously, readying for action, trained to be bold, strong, and prepared, eating a big meal as they set minds and bodies for intense action. But instead, they are told to sit tight, hold back, and let hunger weaken them.

It gets worse. Instead of confidently and courageously revealing a brilliant battle strategy, their fearless and supposedly prepared leader admits in front of everyone that he doesn’t know what to do. They witness as their chief commander cries out in brutal honesty and humility, throwing up his hands in need, emptiness and complete inadequacy. (vs. 12) “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

I wonder how long the crowd lingered. Were they hushed, and hovering together? Was it awkward? Did someone crack a stupid joke in a nervouse attempt to lighten the weight of it all, or, did they just stare wide eyed and broken before one another? Did anyone tell Jehoshaphat he was wasting time and making a big mistake?

I am not sure how long they had to wait, but what came next I’m sure, ended any controversy or doubt…(Vs 14-18)”The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, and said …do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God’s… Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…do not be afraid and do not be dismayed…“

Wow! How relevant is this to us today! When intimidation screams over us, and enemy lines threaten…when the impossible mounts heavy before us, and there seems to be no way through that which looms on the horizon, how do we react? Do we instinctively rush forward with our own version of battle strategy, or do we take time to first seek the Lord? Too often, I can become a victim of urgency, forgetting that my God stands completely outside of time and circumstance; selfishly believing that my own hands are what will get me through the problems I face. What a sad mistake! I urge you today to view every problem in light of our Heavenly Father’s provision. Take time, no matter the issue pressing upon you, to throw up your hands in reliance and anticipation of divine intervention. Our God is quick to rescue, and eagerly desires our attention! Perhaps the issue in front of you is not to build your strength in gaining success, but instead, to build your faith in surrender…
Philippians 4: 6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

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