Daily Devotional for Sunday, April 20

Jehoshaphat, the Favored King

“And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s,”  2 Chronicles 20:13-15.

Jehoshaphat was an honorable king who exemplified faith and reliance on God in the face of adversity. Faced with an imminent threat from a vast enemy army, Jehoshaphat did not panic or rely on his own strength. Instead, he turned to the Lord in prayer, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance. The response to Jehoshaphat’s prayer was swift and miraculous. God assured him of victory and instructed him to stand firm and witness the salvation He would bring. Jehoshaphat responded with unwavering trust, leading his people in worship and praise even before the battle began.

As they approached the battlefield, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising God for His goodness and mercy. In an extraordinary display of divine intervention, God caused confusion among the enemy ranks, leading them to turn against one another. Jehoshaphat and his people emerged victorious without even having to lift a sword.

Jehoshaphat’s faith and humility led to a resounding victory, demonstrating the power of God to deliver His people from any situation. His example encourages us to trust in God’s promises even when facing overwhelming odds. When we turn to God in faith and praise Him in the midst of our trials, He can turn our battles into triumphs.

CHALLENGE

When faced with seemingly impossible battles, strengthen your faith in God, lift up your voice in praise to Him, and trust Him to fight your battles for you.

Steven Ridings