How do you fight your battles?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2019-23&version=NIV

I am so excited today to be writing about 2 Chronicles 20 - it is one of my absolute favorite passages in God's word because it settles my heart no matter what battle I'm facing. Perhaps you're facing a battle today and you need your heart settled also. Maybe someone has come against you, maybe Satan is attacking your self-esteem. He might be telling some of you that there is not hope, or that you'll never make it through whatever obstacle your facing right now.

No matter what the battle field looks like before you, no matter from what direction the attack is coming, there is a battle plan that will not fail. Jehosephat knew that plan. He goes down in my book as one of the wisest and courageous leaders in scripture because of the way he lead people threw the battle we read about in 2 Chronicles 20. Here is what he did - and what we should do also no matter what or whom we face:

1 - He sought the Lord (vs. 3-4) - and taught his followers to do the same. Like my sweet friend Tonia reminds me of frequently - he knew that the battle is fought on our knees. He prayed - and he fasted - and called those he lead to do the same.

2 - He praised God for who he was, for his strength, and remembered the works of the past (vs.6-7).

3 - He knew and claimed the promises of God's protection for his chosen ones (vs. 8-11).

4 - He turned his eyes to God and waited on his directions (vs. 12-13).

5 - He received God's instruction, and worshiped God when he received it (vs. 14-18). Notice that he did not wait to worship until the battle was won, but worship God even before it fully started. Also, friends, it is important to know that if you seek God's direction, he will answer. You won't have to search for the answer - in some way he will show you - if you keep your eyes on him as Jehosephat did and wait for it.

6 - He followed God's instruction and he went into battle worshiping and praising God (vs. 19-23).

7 - He experienced victory in the battle without fighting because he did what God told him to do which was simple stand - and God fought and won the battle for him! (vs. 22-27).

8 - He praised and worshiped God for the victory and told everyone how God gave him victory. (vs. 27-30).

My friends - if you are a fighting a battle this day, please rest in the knowledge that you already have victory. You may not see it yet, the battle might rage on for a while, but victory is already yours. I pray that you will hear the words that the Lord spoke to Jehosephat, and the truth that these words are your promise also will settle in your heart. You need only to fall to your knees, put on your armor, and then stand and let God fight for you.

You will no have to fight this battle. Take your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. - 2 Chronicles 20:17

It would be our privilege to join you on the battlefield. How can we pray for you this day?

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels