I love to attend church and worship with the masses, However , the opportunity to lead a congregation from the stage has taken on new meaning. With the recent study of 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, the importance of praising in the midst of battles has become so true in my life. This passage is a beautiful example of the power of God, it further outlines how praise can actually prompt God to release his power. This passage is full of hair raising spiritual warfare moments. It is also full of examples on how to fight these battles in our daily life.
My husband and I led worship at Saint Simons Community Church this morning. He broke a string during the first song and some of the pastoral leadership was sick. Since we are in a series "Prevail" - specifically on Spiritual Warfare - we recognized the enemy's ploys, as Shannon hasn't broken a string in months, and suddenly broke 4 in a week, all during important worship-leading events! Despite these things, we worship\ped with all that was within us. We cried out to Jesus before the service and asked him to come fight the battle that belongs to Him.
I encourage you to read this passage and then follow along as I outline this incredible story.
Jehosaphat's first steps
He was in some rough waters. He was told that a great multitude was coming against him. (I can relate!). He was afraid. He set his face to seek the Lord. He called for a fast throughout Judah. The country did assemble to seek help from the Lord. They came from ALL the cities of Judah to seek the Lord. What an example of turning your face to the Lord in trying times. I am digging this!
The Lord answers their prayers
God says, Don’t be afraid- the battle belongs to me. You won’t have to fight, God will fight the battle for you - take up your positions, stand firm and see God’s delivering hand at work.
This is the AMAZING part:
As they praised God, He set up ambushes against the enemy. Did you read that? Our sweet Jesus will go ahead of us…. Wow. My Jesus set up ambushes for the enemies of Judah, all of this while they were worshiping Jesus with loud voices. THEN - it gets better - the enemy fought and destroyed one another completely. The account tells us that their was so much plunder for the people of Judah it took them three days to carry it all. What Satan meant for harm God turned into beautiful treasures, hence the plunder that the people gained. This is the part where we see God’s power released.
So what do you guess the people of Judah's response to God was? They worshiped Him with a LOUD voice. Verse 21 also tells us that Jehosaphat appointed singers and worshipers to go out ahead of the army into battle.
And as if this deliverance was not enough there were also long lasting results of this encounter with God for the Land of Judah. All surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord when they learned how he has delivered them. The land of Judah also retained peace on every side.
Jehosaphat knew that great things could be accomplished when the power of God is released. He took the necessary steps to lead his people to seek Him, He answered, delivered him, bestowed inheritance up on his nation (the plunder) and established peace.
Wow. I love to worship and lead others because it is a chance to see His power released.
Thank You Jesus for establishing praise on my lips in the midst of all situations today. I ask you to establish an ambush for my enemies and deliver me from the as-of-yet unseen snares of the devil. I will worship You and seek Your face today. I will commit my children to you while I love and care for them today…. Amen and amen.