Jul. 1, 2008 - The Battle Is the Lord's
Key Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:13–17
As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. . . He said, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty array, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Mom’s Reflection
What battles are you facing? You probably don’t have a large army lined up against you, but I’m guessing you have some battles in your life. We all do. For some of us it’s a battle with a particular fear or worry. For others it’s a battle with a particular relationship or potty training or a strong-willed child. For still others it’s a battle with food or alcohol or prescription drugs.
It’s easy to think that we’re in the battle alone, and the victory is up to us. But in this Bible passage we read the words, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Dear sweet, fellow mom, are you willing to give the battle over to God and stop trying to fight it on your own? Are you willing to courageously stand against temptation and ask the Lord to do a mighty work? Stand firm, be courageous, listen to the Lord’s instructions, and obey. Trust Him to give you strength!
Later, in 2 Chronicles 20, we read that the Israelites went out the next morning, took their stand, and faced the enemy. And God brought the victory! King Jehoshaphat declared a statement that we, as moms, need to remember as we face our own battles: “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm” (verse 20).
My Prayer
“High King of heaven, I praise You, for You are able to bring victory in my life. You have all the power I need to defeat my enemies! Help me to have the faith and courage to believe and stand firm. Lord, I give all my battles to You. I know I cannot win in my own strength; I need You. Help me to do my part. Thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.”
This week I’m praying for: ____________________
My Choices
This week I will choose to give my battles to the Lord.
This week I will choose to stand firm in my faith.
This week I will choose to cast away fear and discouragement, knowing that the Lord is with me.
This week I will choose to: ____________________
For Further Reading: 2 Chronicles 20; Ephesians 6:10–18
When distress and cares oppress you, and you seem to walk alone;
Look up, friend, for God will bless you; He is mindful of His own.
¯author unknown
|
