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Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, today we gather to delve into a profound truth from the scriptures—how the dual forces of praise and faith ignite the spark of divine intervention in our lives. Our anchor is found in the powerful narrative of 2 Chronicles 20:20-30, where King Jehoshaphat faced immense adversity, only to witness an unprecedented victory shaped by his unwavering faith and exuberant praise. This passage not only recounts a historical event but serves as a beacon of hope, teaching us vital lessons on the dynamics of spiritual warfare and divine victory. We will explore this theme through various scriptures that illuminate the power and importance of our own faith and praise in facing life's battles.
Faith Before Victory
In the face of immense adversity, King Jehoshaphat chose faith. He proclaimed a fast and led Judah in seeking the Lord's guidance before the battle began (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). This preemptive faith is akin to Abraham’s when God called him to leave his homeland for a place he would later receive as an inheritance, moving with obedience even before seeing the outcome (Hebrews 11:8). Both instances teach us that true faith acts before victory is visible, trusting God's promise more than the present circumstances.
Imagine standing on the brink of disaster, with vast armies arrayed against you, poised to obliterate your existence. This was the grim reality for Jehoshaphat. However, before the battle even began, Jehoshaphat resolved to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, gathering the people to seek help from the Lord. It is true, this act was a profound declaration of faith—faith that precedes victory. Jehoshaphat understood that the battle was not his, but God's (2 Chronicles 20:15). Like a small boat steadying itself against the waves by anchoring deep in the seabed, Jehoshaphat anchored his hope not in chariots or horses, but in the name of the Lord.
Believe in the Lord and You Shall Be Established
Jehoshaphat stood before the people and encouraged them with the words, "Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper" (2 Chronicles 20:20b). This echoes Isaiah’s call: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (Isaiah 7:9). Both passages underscore the stabilizing power of faith in God—it is the firm foundation that keeps us steadfast in the face of trials.
Jehoshaphat's belief in God was not passive; it was an active, steadfast trust that rooted him and his people in peace amidst chaos. It's like a tree whose roots delve deep into the earth, drawing nourishment and stability, even when the storms rage above, that tree will not fall down.
The Power of Praise
When Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising the beauty of God's holiness, they were not merely singing; they were engaging in spiritual warfare (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). This act of praise transformed their battle into a victory. The Psalmist captures this when he declares, "God is enthroned on the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22:3). Our praise not only honors God but also invites His presence and power into our situations, turning our battles into arenas of His glory.
When Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army, saying, "Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever," it was not a last resort but a strategic assault (2 Chronicles 20:21). Their praise turned their battle into a blessing, transforming the battlefield into a place of worship. Let’s transform our own battles into blessings by the act of praise.
Praising God in danger, as Jehoshaphat's people did, is an act of faith that God is larger than any peril we face. Paul and Silas lived this truth when they praised God in prison, leading to an earthquake that freed them (Acts 16:25-26). Their experience shows that praise can literally shift our circumstances, freeing us from the chains of despair.
Praising God in the face of danger is not about denying reality but about affirming God's power over every circumstance. It is a bold declaration that God is greater than the peril we face. Like lighting a candle in the dark, our praise illuminates the power of God in our darkest hours.
As Jehoshaphat’s choir praised, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:22). This strategy of winning without fighting is also seen when Moses and the Israelites faced the Red Sea. By following God's instruction to simply hold still, they saw the Lord fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). This shows that sometimes our "action" is to stand firm in faith and praise, allowing God to work on our behalf.
As the people of Judah began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who were defeated without Judah having to fight (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).
The victory led to a song of salvation that resonated throughout the kingdom, serving as a reminder of God’s deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:27-28). This song of victory is akin to the new song sung by the redeemed in Revelation, celebrating God’s eternal salvation (Revelation 5:9). Our praises in the face of trials can likewise become testimonies that inspire and encourage others in their faith journeys.
Jehoshaphat’s story brings in a song of salvation that resonates through the ages, reminding us that our battles, when infused with faith and praise, can become our greatest hymns of victory.
God's Battle Plan
God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He often directs us to victory through paths we would not expect. His strategy often involves taking actions that seem illogical from a human standpoint. Jehoshaphat's army did not win by might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, as symbolized by their leading choir. It was not won by swords or spears but by the choir leading the army. The choir should lead the army. This mirrors the battle of Gideon, whose small band defeated a vast army not by conventional weapons but by trumpets, jars, and torches (Judges 7). These stories teach us that God’s "battle plan" often requires us to act in obedience to His unconventional methods.
This divine strategy teaches us that our victories come not from our might but from a higher power. We're like chess pieces being moved by the Divine Grandmaster, who sees the entire board.
When Fear Turns to Faith
Jehoshaphat initially feared the great multitude against him but turned his fear into faith by seeking God’s counsel (2 Chronicles 20:3). This mirrors David’s transformation when facing Goliath, as described in 1 Samuel 17. David shifted from seeing the giant in front of him to focusing on the greatness of God, declaring, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). We can transform our fears into faith by focusing on God’s power rather than our challenges. This transformation is not unlike a caterpillar into a butterfly—a complete metamorphosis that empowers us to soar above our circumstances.
Our faith is a signal to unseen allies in the spiritual realm. Daniel’s persistence in prayer brought angelic intervention, although it was delayed by spiritual warfare (Daniel 10:12-13). This teaches us that our continued faith and praise play a crucial role in engaging divine help, even when it is not immediately apparent.
Jehoshaphat knew that "the battle is not yours, but God’s" (2 Chronicles 20:15). This principle is echoed in Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” Our role is to prepare in faith and leave the outcome to God, trusting Him beyond what we can see. We should trust God beyond what we see. Like a navigator who trusts the compass more than the visible horizons, we are called to trust God’s compass over our visible circumstances. God loves us.
Each step from fear to faith strengthens our spiritual journey. It is like the disciples in the storm-tossed boat who moved from panic to profound awe of Christ’s power (Mark 4:35-41). Their transformation illustrates how facing our fears with faith leads to deeper knowledge and awe of God’s ability to save. Each step from fear towards faith is a story of transformation. It’s about moving from a place of vulnerability to a fortress of strength, not because the threats cease, but because our perception of protection is magnified.
Harmony and Hope: The Impact of Spiritual Unity
The unity of Jehoshaphat’s people in seeking and praising God amplified their collective faith (2 Chronicles 20:4, 21). This reflects Jesus’ teaching that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there among them (Matthew 18:20). Unity in faith and praise not only strengthens our communal bonds but also magnifies our spiritual impact.
When Judah came together in unity to seek help from the Lord, their collective faith and praise multiplied, creating a spiritual synergy. This unity is like a choir whose harmonized voices have a greater impact than a solo performance.
The Spoils of Faith - Reaping the Rewards of Trust in God
After the battle, the people gathered spoils for three days, symbolizing the abundant blessings that follow our trust in God (2 Chronicles 20:25). This mirrors the promise in Malachi 3:10, where God challenges us to test Him by being faithful, promising that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings we cannot contain.
Just as Judah collected the abundant spoils after the enemy's self-destruction, so too, our faith and praise prepare us to reap the rewards laid out by divine providence. These spoils are not always material but are often the peace and spiritual growth.
Listening to God: The First Step Towards Triumph
Jehoshaphat’s victory began with listening to God through prayer and prophecy. This is like tuning into a frequency on a radio; we must clear the static of our doubts and fears to hear God’s voice clearly. This initial step of listening aligns our actions and hearts with God’s will, setting the stage for divine outcomes. Jehoshaphat’s victory began when he chose to listen to God. Listening to God aligns our hearts with divine will and God’s timing.
What More Do We Need?
With the reassurance that God is with us, we are armed with the greatest ally imaginable. As Romans 8:31 declares, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This profound truth reminds us that with God on our side, we are invincible in the spiritual battles we face. With the Lord on our side, what more do we need? This rhetorical question is a profound declaration of sufficiency in God. It is like a warrior who realizes that the presence of the Divine Commander is the greatest reinforcement one can have.
Conclusion
Lastly, let us hold fast to the lessons of Jehoshaphat’s story. By intertwining our faith with continual praise, we activate divine intervention that can turn our deepest trials into triumphs and our fears into testimonies of faith. Let this message embolden and encourage each of you as you face your own battles, confident that with God, victory is not just a possibility; it is a certainty. God can turn our fears into faith and our battles into victories.
May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba