What can we learn about faith from Jehoshaphat's response in 2 Chronicles 20? Facing a Multitude Beyond Control 2 Chronicles 20 opens with a triple-threat invasion. Jehoshaphat’s first instinct is not military strategy but seeking God. Verse 11 captures the heart of his prayer: “See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance”. Faith Begins by Remembering Who God Is • Jehoshaphat addresses the Lord as “the God of our fathers” (v.6). • He recalls God’s absolute rule: “Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You” (v.6). • Similar pattern: Nehemiah 9:6–15, where remembrance fuels confidence. Faith Clings to God’s Promises and Past Faithfulness • Verse 11 rests on covenant ground—“the possession that You gave us.” • Faith quotes Scripture back to its Author (Joshua 23:5; Psalm 105:8-11). • When enemies threaten what God promised, faith appeals to the promise-Giver. Faith Confesses Dependence, Not Despair • “We are powerless…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (v.12). • Genuine faith admits weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Casting cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) is an act of trust, not defeat. Faith Waits Expectantly for God’s Deliverance • As the assembly stands, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel” (v.14). • Promise delivered: “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (v.15). • Compare Exodus 14:13-14: “Stand firm…The LORD will fight for you.” Faith Worships Before the Battle Is Won • Jehoshaphat and all Judah “fell down before the LORD, worshiping” (v.18). • Levites praise “with a very loud voice” (v.19). • Philippians 4:6-7—thanksgiving precedes peace; here, praise precedes victory. Faith Obeys the Word Received • They march out next morning as instructed—no hedging, no alternate plans (v.20). • Frontline weapon is a choir: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever” (v.21). • James 2:22—faith is perfected by actions. Faith Sees God Turn the Tables • The Lord sets ambushes; enemies destroy one another (v.22-23). • Spoils so abundant it takes three days to gather (v.25). • Psalm 23:5—God prepares a table in the presence of foes. Faith Becomes a Testimony • “The fear of God came on all the kingdoms…when they heard” (v.29). • Victorious faith draws others to revere the Lord (Matthew 5:16). • The land enjoys peace; God’s faithfulness brings rest (v.30). In Jehoshaphat’s response we learn that faith remembers God’s character, anchors itself in His promises, confesses dependence, worships in advance, obeys without hesitation, and watches God transform threats into testimony. |
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