He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” -2 Chronicles 20: 15; 17

It’s so fascinating that even after hundreds of years of receiving God’s protection, the Israelites were still fearful in the face of opposition.

When it was King Jehoshaphat’s turn to rule, he knew God’s rulebook backwards and forwards.

And he did a fantastic job of teaching his people to fear the Lord with faithfulness in everyday situations.

But when the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites waged war on him and he faced a real-time threat to his life, his religiosity didn’t exactly translate into authentic faith.

He prayed his prayers as was custom and he told his people to fast, but the spirit of fear was all over him.

So much so, that the Spirit of the Lord had to come down and literally tell him to stand still and not be afraid.

But doesn’t that sound like us though?

We know the Scriptures. We sing the encouraging gospel songs. We have a great sense of religiosity and custom.

Yet when life throws us unexpected curve balls, we don’t always know how to exercise faith.

So thank goodness God accepts the tiny little mustard seeds we give Him!

If you’re facing a situation right now that’s got you terrified like Jehoshaphat was, it’s ok. Because God always meets us at our point of need.

Just stand still as best you can and know that God has already won the battle.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, teach me how to move from a place of religiosity and custom to a space of bonafide faith. Help me to not just go through the motions in my walk with you, but to embrace your Word and act in accordance with what it says. When I’m afraid, increase my confidence in your power, and help me to remain calm and still so I can see you claim the victory! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.