What practical steps can we take to prepare for spiritual battles today? Facing an Unexpected Attack (2 Chronicles 20:2) “Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast multitude from beyond the Sea, from Edom, is coming against you. They are already in Hazazon-tamar’—that is, En-gedi.” This verse reports a real, historical threat. God preserved the details so we can learn how to face every spiritual assault today. Step 1: Acknowledge the Reality of the Battle • Take the warning seriously; denial never wins wars. • 1 Peter 5:8—“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” • Naming the enemy brings clarity and urgency. Step 2: Seek God First—Prayer & Fasting • Jehoshaphat “resolved to seek the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.” (2 Chron 20:3-4) • Practical application: – Set aside meals, media, or other comforts to focus on the Lord. – Gather with fellow believers to call on His name. • James 4:7—“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Submission comes before resistance. Step 3: Stand on God’s Word • Jehoshaphat prayed Scripture back to God (vv. 6-9). • We arm ourselves today by: – Reading daily; storing verses in memory. – Speaking promises aloud when fear whispers. • Ephesians 6:11—“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5—Our weapons have “divine power to demolish strongholds.” Step 4: Worship as Warfare • 2 Chron 20:22—“As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes… and they were defeated.” • Praise fixes our eyes on God’s greatness, not the enemy’s size. • Psalm 149:6—“May the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.” Step 5: Position Yourself & Watch God Work • 2 Chron 20:17—“You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD…” • Practically: – Obey whatever the Spirit shows (forgive, repent, reconcile, speak truth). – Refuse panic; refuse retreat. • Exodus 14:13 parallels the principle: “Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.” Step 6: Fight Together, Not Alone • All Judah “came from all the cities… to seek Him.” (v. 4) • Spiritual battles isolate only when we let them. Stay in fellowship: small group, church, accountability partner (Hebrews 10:25). Step 7: Keep a Heart of Praise and Testimony • After victory, Judah spent three days gathering plunder and renamed the valley “Blessing” (vv. 25-26). • Ongoing habits: – Journal answered prayers. – Share testimonies to strengthen others’ faith. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—“Rejoice always… give thanks in every circumstance.” Bringing It All Together Recognize the attack, run to God, stand on His Word, worship passionately, hold your position, link arms with believers, and keep praising when the smoke clears. Scripture records the account with perfect accuracy so we can live it out with confident expectancy today. |
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