The battle is not yours

This is what the LORD says;Do not be afraid! 

Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army,

for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)

            Jehoshaphat faced an alarming adversary; the combined armies from Moab, Ammon and some of the Meunim had declared war on Judah. 2 Chronicles 3:20 tells us he was downright terrified. But, instead of sharpening swords, readying troops, and consulting his best strategists, Jehoshaphat ran to the Lord. Not only did he pray for guidance, he also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting and praying for the LORD’s help.

            As a result of Jehoshaphat’s faith and reliance on the LORD, Judah was rewarded by God’s mighty act of deliverance. God assured Jehoshaphat He was in control; “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

I love those words: The battle is not yours, but God’s. In fact, I’ve written them in capital letters on an index card and posted them on the bathroom mirror where I can be reminded of God’s sovereignty before I tackle each new day. To be honest, autism can be a formidable opponent. It’s a constant battle against anxiety, overstimulation, sensory overload, and situations which can trigger meltdowns.

How often I need to be reminded that God is on my side and He is in control! I know it, theoretically, yet somehow, when my back is up against a wall, I find myself wondering if God really cares about my personal struggles, my tears, and my stress-filled days.

There’s a pair of slippers next to my bed which I’m tempted to slip on every morning; one is doubt, the other is fear. The thing is, instead of helping me walk, they hinder my progress. They are clumsy and cumbersome, impeding my ability to walk by faith.

            “Why haven’t you tossed them out?” you ask. Truth is, I’ve thrown them out several times, but they just seem to creep back in when I let my guard down. Just give them time and they’ll start feeling more comfortable, a voice whispers in my ear. But God says the opposite; He tells me not to heed that voice and trust Him wholly.

Faith is not a one-time deal. Faith is a daily surrender, a moment-by-moment dying to self as we learn to cast our cares upon the Lord, trusting Him to fight our battles according to His plan and perfect timing.

            I love the way God honored Jehoshaphat’s faith. Take a look at verse 17; “You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”

            Do you know Jesus as your Savior? If so, then He is on your side, and He will fight for you. Stand still and watch the LORD’s victory.