The God Who Fights Our Battles

“And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”’” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)

Rain tears across the pavement, batters the windows and distorts the view as I push myself into the morning. Shortly after I rise, I’m reminded of the physical, mental and emotional strain I’m sludging through, my heart constantly heavy from the burden I bear.

It all feels insurmountable, impenetrable. The thorn in my side doesn’t dislodge. I am weary and worn out, my faith on the brink of surrender.

But the sun streaks suddenly through the sky, pushing back the rain clouds that give way to rays of light. Nothing about my circumstances shifts in this moment, but a steady knowing grows in me: My God sees and understands, and He has not left me to flounder through life on my own.

The Lord is fighting for me. He is at work because He hears the cry of His daughter.

Sometimes the pain of this world or our own personal suffering can corner us and fill us with a fear we never thought possible. It feels like the enemy of our souls is charging toward us and there is no stopping the advance.

But the God of our fathers stands ready with power and might in His hand, making a way (2 Chronicles 20:6).

We see the Israelites in a similar position in 2 Chronicles 20 — trapped, with their enemies marching against them. A mountain of armies descended around King Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel. Fear was palpable through the city, and a great alarm was raised.

What did King Jehoshaphat do? He called the people from every town in Judah to stand with him at the temple of the Lord and inquire of God (2 Chronicles 20:4).

He prayed, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, ESV).

The people stood and waited, placing their lives and hope in the Lord in an act of great dependence. The Israelites had nowhere to turn except toward God.

Our situations can be so dire that we come to the absolute end of ourselves, unable to see a way through. But we have a saving grace in our God, who hears our cries and is mighty to save.

When the Lord spoke through Jahaziel son of Zechariah, He responded with compassion and authority, both incredible characteristics of One who comes to save:

“And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s”’”(2 Chronicles 20:15).

The battle is not ours — it’s the Lord’s.

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Honored to be over at Proverbs 31 discussing the God who fights our battles. Will you join me?