Read 2 Chronicles 20:20-23, 18.

The children of Moab, Ammon and Seir sought out Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) to battle them. The Moabites, Ammonites and the people of Seir were far greater in number and more powerful than Judah: The Bible says they were a “great multitude”. Jehoshaphat, knowing this, knew that he needed Judah to do more than praise God. Some things had to occurred before the victory. Ever been afflicted?  Had someone come after you with their words?  Have you ever been harassed?  Have you ever been to the point where you just don’t know what to do?  Well, Jehoshaphat was at this point.  

 So, Jehoshaphat sought the LORD through prayer and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They had to be on one accord in prayer and fasting for God to move on their behalf. Jehoshaphat gathered together all the cities of Judah and encouraged the people. God is the same God that delivered the Israelites from Egypt, dwelt with them and gave them a sanctuary and much more. King Jehoshaphat cried to the LORD out of his affliction for help, “Help LORD, I can’t do this!” We too, must realize that apart from God, we can do nothing. Second Chronicles 20 moves on to let us know that Judah, Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat heard from some of God’s prophets. And, the Bible says, the Spirit of God moved among the congregation.

Question: How many of us are actually fasting and praying? True worship to God requires sacrifice. Many people of God praise Him, but live defeated lives. Is it “just a praise”?  Is it something that may or may not be done on Sundays? Is there intimate relationship with God? To effectively defeat the enemy on a daily bases, we not only offer God a praise but spend time with Him in prayer and the Word: Furthermore, obey His instructions.

It is great to be intimately connected with God; to be able to discern and hear what God is saying concerning our lives. Jehoshaphat was that kind of King; son of King David, following in David’s godly ways. St. John 4:23-24 declares, “ But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Psalm 28:7, ^“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” We need God! Stop complaining, seek and praise God! Don’t get stuck in murmuring and complaining, being negative and pessimistic. Know who you are in Christ and what God’s promises are to the believer. Let the praises of God overflow in your life as you grow in intimacy with Him.

If you want to win battles, be a true worshipper, seeking to know more of God through His Word, seeking intimacy with God by praying without ceasing; praising the LORD in whatever state you find yourself. Paul said in Philippians 4, he knows how to be content no matter what state he was in (lack or abundance). Trust and believe that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. Therefore, when we go out into this battlefield called life: Know, that the battle is not yours, it’s the LORD’s. Stop trying to fight your own battles in your own power. Remember Jehoshaphat and Judah. Whatever the battle, seek God through prayer and fasting because it is more than just a praise.