October 16, 2013

• A Strange Kind of Warfare

  

  Remember that Old Testament story of a great battle where the only weapon used was praise?

  (2 Ch 20:20-21 NLT) Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, "Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed."
  After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising Him for His holy splendor. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the LORD; His faithful love endures forever!"

  Now, here is a question. Would YOU have wanted to be one of those appointed singers? Would you have been excited about marching down the hill ahead of the army with only your tambourine between you and some enemy sword?

  When we read this account, we think how wonderful that God used worshipers to win a mighty victory. But, I sometimes wonder what was going on in the minds of those guys who were appointed by the king to be out in front of the army. Do you think they were all full of faith for the victory? I wonder. I just wonder if one or two might have been thinking, “This is the craziest thing I have ever been told to do!” Maybe others were thinking, “I am going to DIE today!”

  We are human. It is easy to see the strength of the enemy and get scared. It is easy to wonder sometimes just how effective our praise can be in the face of such a conflict.

  But something amazing happened that day.

  (2 Ch 20:22-25 NLT) At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!

  We have to learn to TRUST GOD, even when the odds are against us. Even when it looks impossible. Even when we still have concerns. If we are sure God said GO FOR IT, than we can be just as sure of the victory.

  Whatever you are facing today. Praise Him! Maybe your problem has you surrounded, and you feel like there is no way out. Praise Him anyway. God has an answer for you. Believe and see. Like Jehoshaphat said, “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm and succeed.”

  • 4:48 am
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