What role does faith play in overcoming challenges, according to 2 Chronicles 20:20? Setting the Scene: Jehoshaphat’s Crisis 2 Chronicles 20 opens with Judah surrounded by a vast coalition army. King Jehoshaphat calls the nation to seek the LORD. After fasting and corporate prayer, God speaks through the prophet Jahaziel, promising deliverance without a single sword stroke from Judah. The Heart of the Passage “Early in the morning they got up and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will succeed.’” (2 Chronicles 20:20) Key terms • “Believe” – a deliberate, settled trust. • “Uphheld” – literally “to be established, made firm.” • “Succeed” – to advance, prosper, break through. What Faith Does in a Crisis • Anchors us in God’s character, not the size of the enemy. • Connects us to God’s spoken promise through His prophets (written Scripture today). • Positions us to receive supernatural support (“you will be upheld”). • Opens the door to victory and progress (“you will succeed”) even before circumstances change. How the People Expressed Their Faith 1. They rose early—faith acts promptly. 2. They marched toward the battlefield—faith moves toward the challenge, not away from it. 3. They appointed singers to praise the LORD (v. 21)—faith worships in advance of the win. 4. They stood still (v. 17) and watched God fight—faith rests in God’s promised action. Supporting Scriptures • Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” • Isaiah 7:9 – “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” • 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • Mark 11:22–24 – Jesus teaches that believing prayer moves mountains. • Psalm 27:13 – “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Living It Out Today • Face challenges with Scripture first, feelings second. • Speak God’s promises aloud; Jehoshaphat’s exhortation shows faith is verbal. • Worship before the answer arrives—praise is faith’s soundtrack. • Act in line with the promise even when outcomes are unseen. • Expect God’s upholding power to stabilize you while He works. Key Takeaways • Faith is not wishful thinking; it is a conscious reliance on God’s revealed word. • Believing God establishes stability; believing His message releases breakthrough. • Challenges become platforms where God’s faithfulness is displayed to those who trust Him. |
    |