Winning Spiritual Battles (2)

Everyone Is In A Spiritual Battle

Jehoshaphat was in a battle he couldn’t win

Jehoshaphat was being attacked by an enemy that he could not physically defeat. Three nations were coming to attack and destroy him. The Word of God says that he was afraid and turned his attention to the Lord.

Everyone of us have, had, or will have something in our life that can or will destroy us. It is these things that cause fear in our lives. For some it is not being saved, for some it is not being able to forgive, for some it is addiction, for some it is depression, for some it is a terminal illness, for some it is a relationship falling apart, for some it is worry, for some it is hopelessness. The list goes on and you probably have your own. It is in these battles that we cannot seem to overcome by ourselves. The uncertainty of the battle and what might come can cause fear. Fear is the power of Satan, Faith is the power of God.

Jehosaphat turned his attention to the Lord when he knew that he could not win the battle on his own. He also surrounded himself with people who would seek the Lord with him.

It is important to recognize that we cannot win our spiritual battles on our own. We must turn our attention to the Lord. I am reminded of 9/11/01 when there was an attack in the US against our economic world trade center and our military pentagon. There was massive concern about the safety of our country. There had not been anything happen like this on in our own country. I remember the churches being full the Sunday after the attacks. Why? Because the people knew that we needed God to help in this terrible attack. You may have some 9/11 happening in your life right now. Turn your attention to the Lord. You will not be able to overcome your battle on your own. You need the Lord.

God Is Bigger Than Our Battle

Jehoshaphat turned took his eyes off of the enemy and put them on the Lord. He saw God as the God in heaven, ruler over all nations, giver of the promised land, hearer of their prayer, deliverer of their enemy. He knew that although he could not defeat his enemies, his God could bring him victory.

Our battles tend to consume us. Our eyes are so intently focused on the battle that we forget to look to our God. How do you see God. You see God in the light that you have experienced him. In salvation you see him as your savior. In forgiveness you see Him as the one who forgave you.

Forgiveness - 21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Addiction - 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Depression - 8 The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Sickness - 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, [a]anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer [b]offered in faith will [c]restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, [d]they will be forgiven him.

Broken Relationship - So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Worry - 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Hopelessness - Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

It is good to reflect on what God has done for you, when facing a spiritual battle that you cannot win.

Jehoshaphat put his eyes on the Lord. I don’t know what your battling, but you can put your eyes on the Lord.

The Lord Fights Our Battles When We Let Him.

The Lord told the priests that the battle was not theirs but the Lord’s.

The Lord said , “17 You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

There are times that we need to stand and see the salvation of the Lord. We often fight battles that aren’t meant for us to fight. They are situations that God brings into our lives that are bigger than us. The purpose is to teach us to turn to Him and watch his deliverance. It is the deliverance of the Lord that causes us to see Him and worship Him.

Our weapon in spiritual warfare is our faith in God.

Jehoshaphat did as the Lord commanded. He went out to the wilderness of Tekoa and said, “ Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

When we turn to the Lord for help, we must trust Him to help. This is called faith. When we put our faith in the Lord, we will be established.

We Worship the Lord When the Battle is Won.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 20

Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today.

27 Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

28 They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres and trumpets to the house of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 20

26 Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today.

27 Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

28 They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres and trumpets to the house of the LORD.

29 And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides.

When the Lord prevails in our lives others will see. We will worship the Lord because he gives victory in impossible situations.