There seem to be many worship songs recently that mention that our battles belong to the Lord, but the message really rang out when I came across a story in 2 Chronicles 20. Hang on to your helmets as I summarize this whopper!

It begins with the news of a vast army coming against God’s people. The good king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, responds by inquiring of the Lord and proclaiming a fast. The people come together to seek God’s help.

The king’s prayer sounds similar to what we might say when facing an overwhelming problem. “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The Spirit of the LORD answered through another man. “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15b). He continued with directions for Judah to take up positions the following day, stand firm, and see the LORD’s deliverance.

The king was so confident in the Lord that he appointed singers to lead the army out. And check this out! “As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men . . . who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (verse 22). What the men of Judah found was that the nations who had gathered against them had annihilated each other.

The inspiring finale is that the fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how God had fought the battle for His people.

Remember, our God is all-powerful, trustworthy, and faithful. May we pray, take our next step of faith, and then watch and testify of His goodness.