What steps can we take to "strengthen" our faith like Jehoshaphat? Jehoshaphat’s Faith-Building Blueprint 2 Chronicles 17–20; focus verse: “Believe in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; believe His prophets and you will succeed.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) Observe His Pattern • Unlike many kings, Jehoshaphat “sought the God of his father” (17:3–4) and “his heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD” (17:6). • When a vast enemy army advanced, “Jehoshaphat was afraid and resolved to seek the LORD” (20:3). • He prayed, listened, obeyed, worshiped, and watched God win the battle (20:17–24). Step 1 – Seek God First, Not Last • Make prayer a reflex, not a last resort—“Jehoshaphat…set his face to seek the LORD” (20:3). • Schedule daily, unhurried time with Him (Psalm 5:3). • Fast when you need extra clarity (Matthew 6:16-18). Step 2 – Stand on God’s Word • Jehoshaphat remembered past promises: “Did You not drive out the inhabitants…?” (20:7). • Keep Scripture in front of you—post verses, memorize, journal (Joshua 1:8; Romans 10:17). • Believe both the commands and the comforts. Step 3 – Pray with Honesty and Humility • He admitted, “We are powerless…we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (20:12). • Confess weakness; God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Present the problem, recall God’s character, ask for help. Step 4 – Listen for God’s Direction • Jahaziel’s prophetic word came as the people “were standing before the LORD” (20:13-15). • Quiet your heart; expect the Spirit to illuminate Scripture (John 14:26). • Test what you hear against the Bible (Acts 17:11). Step 5 – Obey Promptly and Fully • They marched out “early in the morning” (20:20) before seeing any evidence. • Act on God’s instruction even when it looks illogical (Hebrews 11:1). • Partial obedience erodes faith; full obedience strengthens it (Luke 6:46-49). Step 6 – Worship Ahead of the Victory • Singers led the army, praising: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever” (20:21). • Praise shifts attention from fear to God’s greatness (Psalm 34:1-4). • Keep worship music, testimonies, and thanksgiving circulating in your home. Step 7 – Surround Yourself with God-Honoring Influences • Jehoshaphat sent teachers through Judah to “teach the Book of the Law” (17:7-9). • Join believers who will pray, counsel, and correct (Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 13:20). • Remove alliances that pull you away from God (19:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Step 8 – Maintain Humble Dependence • After victory, they returned “joyful, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice” (20:27). • Celebrate God’s work, then keep seeking Him—faith is a daily journey (Colossians 2:6-7). Putting It Together Seek Him first, stand on His Word, pray humbly, listen, obey, worship, choose godly company, and stay dependent. Walk this pattern and watch the same faithful God strengthen your faith today. |
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