Tools for Victory

  Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. -2 Chronicles 20:3

Over the last few months, my pastor has been preaching from 2 Chronicles 20.  He has been breaking down the way we get to victory, the assurance of victory as proclaimed by God, and the assurance that God will fight our battles, as well as the unity of God's people as all stood on one accord.  Last week he focused on the seven tools to victory that come from 2  Chronicles 20.  He challenged us to read the passage for ourselves and see how many we could find. I would like to share some of the takeaways that God has laid on my spirit.

First tool, whatever comes your way, be resolved to take it to the Lord.  Jehoshaphat was told that a vast army was coming to to attack him and the people of Judah.  His first response was to be resolved to take it to the Lord ( 2 Chronicles 20:4)  To be resolved means to be firmly determined to do something.  So whatever problem or decision that arises, seek God first.  Remove all distractions ( Jehoshaphat called for a fast for the people of Judah-fast allow us to be concentrated on what the Lord would say to us) and take it to the One that handle any and all situations. 

The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (2 Chronicles 20:4)  From this the Lord is telling me to be on one accord.  The scripture that says "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”(Mathew 18:20) comes to mind.  Maybe you call on some prayer partners as you seek the Lord.  Maybe it is your family or your church.  You have to be on  accord with your eyes fixed on Jesus ( another tool).

Don't focus on the problem, focus on Jesus.  You have been resolved to take it to God, now trust God to fix it.  Look to Him with expectation;  He is going to move on your behalf.   2 Chronicles 20  12 reads ...Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 

 So fix your eyes on the One who has all power in his hand and stand before Him and wait for the Spirit of  God to move.  Don't get ahead of God, but stand firm and watch and see what He does.  Let the Spirit show you( he will tell you where you enemy will be (2 Chronicles 20:16) and lead you. 

Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.  2 Chronicle 20: 14-15

The battle is not yours, but God's.  Yet, He tells us that we will face the enemy and we must take our positions. ( If the position is a posture of prayer take it.  If it is to take up your shield of faith do it.)  But we are not to be afraid or discouraged because God will be with us ( 2 Chronicles 20:17 

To gain victory we must acknowledge God and His presence.    2 Chronicles 20; 18-19 tells us that "Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice."

So when the Spirit moves acknowledge that it is God and not of our ourselves and praise Him in advance for the defeat of your enemy( mountain, valley or storm experience.) Praise Him, lift your voice and watch Him defeat your enemy.  I do not care who or what the enemy is or the battle-  God Will Give You Victory.

Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.  They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. 2 Chronicles 20:27-28

Lord,  thank You for for fighting our battles so let us lay our burdens down before You and seek Your face.  Let us receive Your wisdom, strength, and anointing.  Help us to stand firm with expectation and take our positions.  Its a "fixed fight" Lord.  Thank You for being on our side.  You are amazing.  Bless your Holy Name.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen