Sometimes, it is a confederation of enemies against you. And they come from unexpected quarters. Even the people you have treated well in the past can just rise suddenly to declare war against you. Does this happen? Yes! Most people are destroyed today by the persons or interests close to them. People you did good to. People that you take into confidence. Three nations gathered against Judah – Moab, Ammon and Edom. These were relations of Judah (Israel). Moab and Ammon are the descendants of Lot. While Edomites are descendants of Esau. And God had prevented Israel from destroying these people when the were passing through their land as they (Israel) came out of Egypt; reminding them that they were their relations. But look at the turn of events. The same people have gathered to attack and chase the people of God away from their inherited land. Are your battles coming from such unexpected quarters?
When King Jehoshaphat learnt that these three nations were coming against his country, he quickly mobilised the entire country (men, women, and children) to seek the face of God. He didn’t go first to take the inventory of his armoury. He had soldiers and weapons, but he first summoned the people from all the towns of Judah to fast and pray. And he led the prayers by himself. This clearly shows you where his confidence lies. The word of God said that trusting in the arms of flesh, human wisdom, power and connection will always fail. We must learn to always take our matters to God, and then He will lead us to victory.
The King of Judah standing in front of the courtyard at the Temple prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in Heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people settled here and built this Temple for you. They said, ‘whenever we are faced with any calamity such as [WAR, DISEASE, or FAMINE], we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honoured. We can cry out to you to save us, and you hear us and rescue us. And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of our land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 2 Chronicles 20. Great! Some people really know how to ‘tie’ God’s hands.
I just decided to run the entire prayer by this great king of Judah. What did you notice here? It is just the same pattern with King Hezekiah’s. Yes, this is an established divine principle. If you follow it, then you will always have God fight for you. Jehoshaphat took the threat to God. He began his supplication by praising, worshipping and extolling the divine virtues of God. Then, he reminded God of His promises and covenants with their ancestors. He simply threw back God’s words and promises to Him, and God can never deny or abandon His words. In fact, He said that He has raised His word above His name. He rightly admitted the mightiness of the invading armies, but at the same time asked God to show His almightiness and sovereignty over the affairs of men. Look at that prayer very well, it is not just that is was well arranged, but it also came from a man that has had a relationship with God. It was from a faithful, loyal, honest and spiritual heart.
Yes, let me say this before we go on. It is not just about the arrangement, duration or intensity of the prayer, but about the life of the man that prays. You must have a good relationship with God to be able to have power with Him in prayer. You cannot always rush to God only when you are in difficulties. Look at the three men we have commented on so far – Solomon, Hezekiah and Jehoshaphat. These men were already enjoying their relationship with God before the challenges came. It was this fact that prompted God to swiftly intervene in their situations. This is very important to note. The word of God says that if you honour God, He will also honour you. And one of the ways He does that is to answer your prayers or save you out of problems. So, when Jehoshaphat finished praying, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God that keeps His covenants responded immediately. He spoke through a prophet in their midst; claiming the ownership of the war. He told them to go to the battle field, position themselves and watch what He was going to do. And the king did exactly as he was told. That battle you are facing is no more yours from today!
Praise Him
In the morning, as Jehoshaphat was marching to the battle field, he appointed a choir to go ahead of the soldiers. They were singing and praising God. And the bible said that immediately they began to praise Him, He caused the enemy nations to kill themselves until no one was left. Praise God! I see your enemies fighting themselves from today. The people of Judah only came to pick the spoils of war for the next three days. Praise is about the most potent and lethal weapon in our arsenal as Christians. When you praise, heaven comes down swiftly to attend to you. When you praise God, you send confusion into the camp of your enemies. When you praise, you enemies will begin to fight themselves. When you praise, you cause a constellation of celestial conflagration that will ensure your victory on earth. I mean the real praise and worship from a holy and grateful heart. Try it. Begin today to live a life of praise. No matter what, let praise and worship remain on your lips day and night. This will make you a very dangerous person to your enemies; including all the powers of darkness. We will discuss in details the power of praise very soon. Till next week, God bless you!
Pastor Agbo is of the Assemblies of God Nigeria.