What practical steps can we take to "succeed" as advised in 2 Chronicles 20:20? the verse that frames our study “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will succeed.” seeing what “believe” means • In Hebrew, believe (’āman) carries the idea of being firmly established, to stand secure. • Faith is not vague optimism; it grips objective truth about God’s character and Word (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 119:160). • Jehoshaphat couples trust in God with trust in the messengers who faithfully relay God’s Word (cf. Luke 16:31). practical steps for believing the Lord 1. Open His Word daily • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Schedule an unhurried block—phone silenced, Bible open, heart attentive. 2. Meditate and memorize • Mull over a small portion until it’s part of you (Psalm 1:2–3). • Write verses on cards or use an app; rehearse them while driving or walking. 3. Pray Scripture back to Him • Take what you read and turn it into personal conversation (Psalm 119:18). • Prayer cements belief by moving truth from page to heart. 4. Obey promptly • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Start with the next clear step—reconciliation, generosity, purity, whatever He highlights. 5. Recall past deliverances • Keep a journal of answered prayers (Deuteronomy 7:18). • Reviewing God’s track record fuels fresh confidence. practical steps for believing His prophets 1. Submit to the whole of inspired Scripture • The prophetic writings are “a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). • Read both Testaments; all point to Christ and instruct for life (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 2. Place yourself under sound preaching and teaching • Seek a church where Scripture is exposited verse by verse (Nehemiah 8:8). • Take notes, review them, discuss with family or friends. 3. Test modern claims by the written Word • “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). • If a “new word” contradicts Scripture, reject it. 4. Honor the messengers • Support faithful teachers with prayer, encouragement, and material help (Galatians 6:6). • Imitate their faith as they follow Christ (Hebrews 13:7). 5. Spread the message • Share biblical truth in conversations, social media, small groups (Matthew 28:19–20). • Teaching others reinforces your own confidence. daily rhythms that nurture success Morning: • Read a chapter, note one truth, pray it in. • Ask, “How will I act on this today?” Mid-day check-in: • Revisit your note; breathe a quick prayer. • Encourage someone with the same truth. Evening: • Record how God sustained you. • Thank Him for specific fulfillments of His Word. common obstacles and biblical responses • Doubt: Counter with God’s proven character (Numbers 23:19). • Distraction: Simplify schedule; prioritize worship (Luke 10:41–42). • Fear: Recall victories like this very battle in 2 Chronicles 20 (vv. 22–30). • Cultural pressure: Resolve to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). wrapping it up Success, as defined by God, flows from a life anchored in His person and promises. Believe the Lord, stand firm. Believe His prophets, move forward. Do these things, and you will experience the upholding grace and victorious outcome He guarantees. |
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