a strategy for winning against unbeatable odds

Last Tuesday in chapel at KCU we sang a worship song that has been on repeat in my mind. Reminding me how to fight against overwhelming odds. Bringing me comfort, peace, courage, strength and encouragement. The writers of the song were inspired by two passages found in the Old Testament. One involves Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, the other the prophet Elisha.

2 Chronicles 20 opens with a report that is brought to Jehoshaphat.

“A great multitude is coming against you ... Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord..."

Part of Jehoshaphat's prayer is: 

"For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”  

God's answer: 

"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them...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.' "

The response of the people: 

"Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice."

I love Jehoshaphat's battle plan:

"They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, 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 he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 

and the success of the plan:

"When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another."

When it did not make sense, when the enemy was substantially larger and stronger, Jehoshaphat's first line of defense was not the best marksman or warriors, it was those who sang to the Lord, those who praised Him. And God fought for them, victory was theirs, not because of their strength or prowess, but because they trusted God to do what He said He would do-fight for them.

In 2 Kings 6 we find the account of the King of Aram and Elisha.

"Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.” The man of God (Elisha) sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.” The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice."

To say that the King of Aram was ticked would be an understatement. He asks how Israel keeps avoiding him and he is told that Elisha warns them. When he discovers where Elisha is "he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city."

In the morning Elisha's servant went out, saw the army and came to Elisha with a question:"Alas, my master! What shall we do?"

Elisha's response is found in verses 16-17 “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha..."

I do not know what the face of your enemy looks like

nor the size of the army that is surrounding you,

or the "impossible" situation or circumstance you find yourself in

or how helpless you are feeling

but this I do know -

if you are one of God's children you have a "secret" weapon:

God never leaves His people to fight their battles alone

pray

fast

seek His face

listen for His voice

ask Him to open the eyes of your heart so you can see what is not visible

trust Him

obey Him

praise Him

and watch Him fight your battle(s)