How does Jehoshaphat's trust in God inspire you to strengthen your faith today? Setting the Scene “These were the men who served the king, in addition to those the king stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:19) Jehoshaphat’s army is vast, yet his earlier choices show that military strength was not his first line of defense—faith was. Verse 19 caps a chapter that highlights a leader who placed confidence in God before counting soldiers. Trust Rooted in Obedience • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4—“The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David… and did not consult the Baals.” • 17:6—“His heart took delight in the ways of the LORD.” • Trust was demonstrated by clearing the land of idolatry and by sending officials to teach the Law (17:7-9). Obedience preceded blessing. Faith Before Forces • Verse 19 lists troops after fourteen verses of spiritual faithfulness. The order matters: devotion first, defense second. • Psalm 20:7 draws the same contrast—“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust with all our heart, not leaning on our own understanding—Jehoshaphat modeled that balance of planning and reliance. Lessons to Strengthen Our Faith Today • Prioritize God’s Word: Like the teaching campaign in 17:9, daily Scripture intake keeps trust fresh. • Remove competing loyalties: Jehoshaphat expelled idols; we expel modern distractions that rival Christ’s lordship. • Plan responsibly, rely wholeheartedly: Build budgets, schedules, and contingency plans—but anchor security in God’s character, not the plan’s details. • Expect God-given favor: “The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms” (17:10). God still knows how to place a hedge around those who honor Him. • Worship in crises: In a later test Jehoshaphat prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (20:12). Praise became his battle strategy; praise can become ours. Walking It Out 1. Start each day acknowledging God’s sovereign care before tackling responsibilities. 2. Audit your life for “high places” of misplaced trust—career, savings, social approval—and tear them down. 3. Memorize a promise such as Isaiah 26:3—“You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” 4. When success comes, credit the Lord first, as Jehoshaphat did, keeping gratitude ahead of pride. 5. Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness; they reinforce trust in your own heart and encourage others. Jehoshaphat’s ledger listed soldiers; his heart listed promises. Follow his sequence—faith then fortifications—and watch your confidence in God grow stronger today. |
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