Let God fight His battle

Some people like battles. Most would rather avoid them. Sometimes though, it seems like we have no choice but to fight. It may be a battle with an attitude, a habit, a physical problem, or even a person. Frankly, there are some battles we feel pretty confident about our chances, but many are intimidating.

Fear comes easy, even for the believer. We wonder why a loving God would take us into a valley of death. How could a God of peace lead us straight into the middle of a war? Well, He is a loving God of peace. But let's not forget that He is a mighty warrior, a fortress, and commands a host of armies. Going into battle is about reclaiming lost ground, or gaining new ground. If you go in by yourself, you should be scared. But if God leads you in, you should march in with the confidence that He is fighting, He is already the victor, and if you aren't with Him, you are against Him.

So, don't fear an unavoidable battle today. If God puts you in it, He will help you win it. Sometimes you will get tired, sore, and even injured. Let's be honest... some day a battle may cost you your life. Just remember it ain't over as long as God is alive. But it is just as likely that you won't even have to fight. Very often, God takes us into a battle just so we can see His power and believe more strongly in Him.

The Old Testament is filled with both tragic and glorious battle scenes. God's people seemed to be in constant battle with one of God's enemies. Sometimes they have to wield some serious steel. But other times, they simply had to trust God without fighting. On one such occasion, the king of Judah was concerned about an upcoming battle. But God gave this word through one of His prophets, "This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

Before the king led his army into God's battle, he challenged them to praise God. Here is what happened, "Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.'

The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.

When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the large army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; nobody had escaped." (2 Chronicles 20:21-24)

Notice, the victory began when the people praised God, before they even got to the battlefield. At the very moment of praise, God initiated the victory. Do I have to spell it out for you? Don't shout about the battle... shout about the Lord. Do it right now. Before your battle, sing to the Lord, and praise the splendor of His holiness.