Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 tells the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he quite literally praised his way to a victory. A great multitude of Jehoshaphat’s enemy was readying themselves against Jehoshaphat and his people. What I love about his story is that he didn’t try and figure it out without seeking God first. He immediately told his people to fast. They all came to the temple, and there, Jehoshaphat called out to God for help. He remembered what God had done for his people, he admitted they didn’t have the strength, resources or knowledge, and then, he pointed out a promise of God and stood on it!
One of my favorite parts of this story is when the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men. Through the man, God told Jehoshaphat and his people that the battle was not theirs, it was his! He told them to go out to battle, take their positions and stand still to watch the victory!
How many times does God tell us the same thing and we don’t believe him? In result, we go and try to fight ourselves. Well, not Jehoshaphat. The day of the fight, Jehoshaphat told the people to believe in the Lord and then sent out singers ahead of them. They didn’t know for sure what would happen, but they stood on the promise and praised God on the way! The moment they began to sing and give praise, the armies started fighting each other! Long story short, they fought each other until there was not one man left for Jehoshaphat and his people to fight! Then, they were able to collect vast amounts of resources (it took them 3 days to collect it all.)
This makes me think of my current battles. All along, I have been speaking to God about my problems instead of speaking to my problems about God! When I think of the battle I’m in, it can become overwhelming, but this passage has taught me that my praise must precede me! I will win by the power of God that lives within me! I have realized that every battle is not mine, including one that I am facing now! Today, I looked back over my life and I couldn’t help but praise God. Just as Jehoshaphat did, I remembered where God brought me from, I remembered a promise and I am standing on it! I don’t know exactly how the battle will be won, but I am going to put a praise on my lips the whole way through!
When I look back and tell my testimony, I want to tell of how I trusted God. Even when things didn’t look like they were in my favor, they were! Because all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose!
Is your praise preceding you today? In what areas do you need to be still and trust God?
Chasing Real 