This is not your battle.

Can there be any more comforting words than the words of the Lord to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah? Could God say anything more comforting to you?

2 Chronicles 20 describes the events during the reign of Jehoshaphat. With a vast army of his enemies marshaling and marching toward Judah, the king proclaimed a fast and assembled all the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat prayed to God before the people, acknowledging their weakness and their need. He cried out to God saying: “We have no power to face their vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

As the people stood before the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the Levites who proclaimed God’s message of deliverance: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not your’s but God’s. . . . You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17).

Judah’s marching to battle had to be one the strangest sights in history. As the army marched, the men Jehoshaphat appointed led the army and sang and praised God for the splendor of His holiness!

God delivered the nation.

What is it that makes it God’s battle?

First, it becomes God’s battle when we are working for God and doing his will. Jesus told us to pray according to His name and His will. When we do so, our prayer will be answered. We have joined with God in doing what He wants done. Therefore, it is not your battle; it is the Lord’s. He will fight for you and accomplish according to His will.

Second, it becomes God’s battle when we submit our will to His and trust that He will bring it to pass.”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path clear” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Third, it becomes God’s battle when we fast, pray, and call on His name. What would happen if we prayed for our nation as the people of Judah did for theirs?

Finally, it becomes God’s battle when He has directed us according to His will and we follow according to His plans. When we do God’s will in God’s way, we have the assurance that the battle is the Lord’s and that He will bring it to pass.

What joy it is to join with God in doing His work and knowing that He will direct our paths and make our way clear.

May it be so with you.

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