Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I want you to imagine for a moment, a scene of a battlefield. The air is thick with tension, the ground trembles with the marching of soldiers, and the sky echoes with the clash of swords and shields. This is not a scene from a Hollywood movie or a page from a history book. This is a scene from our own lives. Yes, we are in a spiritual battle, and we are called to be valiant warriors for God.

Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20. This chapter is a treasure trove of wisdom, insight, and inspiration for us as we face the battles in our lives. It teaches us about victorious valor in battle, vibrant vision for victory, and vouching for God's veracity.

Before we read the Scripture, let's remember the words of the great preacher Charles H. Spurgeon: "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." This is a call for us to immerse ourselves in the Scripture, to let it guide us, strengthen us and inspire us as we face our daily battles.

Now, let's read 2 Chronicles 20 together: "After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him...."

Victorious Valor in Battle

In the face of a vast army, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were alarmed. They were human, after all. Fear is a natural response to danger. It's a survival mechanism. But what sets Jehoshaphat and his people apart is their response to that fear. They didn't let it paralyze them. They didn't let it drive them to despair. Instead, they chose to seek the Lord. They chose to lean on Him. They chose to trust in His power and His wisdom. This is the first lesson we can learn from this chapter. In our battles, in our struggles, in our fears and uncertainties, we too can choose to seek the Lord. We too can choose to lean on Him.

Consider how valor is seen in acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah knew that God was in control. They knew that He was the King of kings and the Lord of lords. They knew that He was the one who held the universe in His hands. This is evident in their prayer, as recorded in verse 6: "O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you."

Now, let's look at Jehoshaphat's prayer in verse 6. "Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you." He is acknowledging God's might and expressing his trust in God. He is expressing his faith in God. He is expressing his surrender to God. And he is expressing his valor in God.

Finally, let's look at the outcome of Jehoshaphat's prayer. In verse 15, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel and 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.'" This is a powerful promise, assurance, comfort. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah didn't have to fight the battle. God was going to fight it for them. They didn't have to be afraid. They didn't have to be discouraged. They just had to trust in God. They just had to lean on Him.

Vibrant Vision for Victory

Amid the battle, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah did not lose sight of their vision for victory ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO