Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Lessons From The Battlefield Pt. III-The Power of Victory

Two weeks ago we began the series, Lessons From The Battlefield, based on 2 Chronicles 20: 1-30. During the first week, we read that King Jehoshaphat, the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem had heard that a vast army was coming against them. In Pt. I, The Power of Faith, we saw how they sought the LORD. In Pt. II, The Power of Praise, we witnessed them worshiping GOD as the battle was about to begin. Join us as we conclude with Pt. III, The Power of Victory, and experience the faithfulness of the LORD.

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. 27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. 29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. 2 Chronicles 20:22-29

GOD brought such a resounding victory to the Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They were amazed and filled with great joy. Their plunder was so great, it took three days for them to collect it all. Not only did this victory increase their faith, but it brought glory to GOD throughout all the surrounding kingdoms.

When faced with your own personal battles, make GOD your first line of defence. Trust Him, seek Him, praise Him, then stand back and watch Him fight on your behalf. Hold on tenaciously until the very end. Do not give up, you may be turning away on the cusp of victory. Lastly, when you taste the power of victory, remember to testify of His goodness. Share with others what the LORD has done for you! Give Him all the glory, it will bring encouragement to others. And remember, there is no testimony without  a test!

1 comment:

Farah said...

Amen!! You have no idea how much this has blessed me. The Lord IS good. His love endures forever!

Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,