Today’s Reading: I Kings 6-7; 2 Chronicles 20; I Timothy 3

“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.” 2 Chronicles 20:22

In this portion of scripture we see unfold before us a powerful picture of spiritual warfare strategy in the midst of adversity. The children of Israel, under Jehoshaphat’s leadership, pray, fast, mobilize, stand and sing. When faced with spiritual opposition we have a road map for victory in the Lord. In our reading, today we discover the story of the children of Israel surrounded on every side by the enemy, everywhere Jehoshaphat look he sees overwhelming circumstances stacked against them. Rather than allowing fear and uncertainty to immobilize him, he sends out a call for fasting and prayer. “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (2 Chronicles 20:3 NASB) In verses 5 through 13, he brings the children together and begins to rehearse before them who God is. "O LORD God of our fathers, [are] You not God in heaven, and do You [not] rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand [is there not] power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?” (Verse 6) Then it says that the Spirit of the Lord comes on one of the worship leaders from the tribe of Levite, Jahaziel, and he begins to prophesy. (Verses 14-18) “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” In Ephesians 6, we see the New Testament version of warfare, I encourage you to read that portion as well today, verse 10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” It is amazing that God uses us to help battle the forces of darkness, but we have this power and authority. In the end of this story, the children of Israel never even have to yield a sword, only songs of praise to defeat the enemy. When we fast, pray, praise, prophesy, and are strong in the power of His might, we take part in the destiny God has given us as believers and the victory is the Lords. Today, what is the battle God is calling you? May you see miracles in your circumstances and victory in His name.

In Christ,
Carol

Next Reading: 2 Kings 8-9; 2 Chronicles 21; I Timothy 4