Breakthrough | March 13, 2021
Day 3: Battle
Day 3 is a battle! It doesn’t matter what you are fasting from, this day tends to be quite difficult. I bet you have been tempted with some really good reasons to quit the fast. That’s why it’s important to remember that this is more than a physical battle but a spiritual one as well.
All of us will have battles in our lives, but the question is, how will we respond to these battles? In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat was confronted with a “vast army” who had the power to devastate his nation. Many would have assumed his problem was purely physical—it seemed like an issue of military might, battle plans, state-of-the-art weaponry, number of troops, and strategic leadership. Jehoshaphat knew that there was more and correctly concluded the conflict was spiritual.
So, what did he do? He called the people to fast and pray, and notice how God responded, “Do not be afraid or discouraged by this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Whatever you are facing, we serve a God who wants to fight our battles!
Fasting may feel hard today but take heart and draw near to the Lord. Not only will God fight for us, but He will bring the victory!
All of us will have battles in our lives, but the question is, how will we respond to these battles? In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat was confronted with a “vast army” who had the power to devastate his nation. Many would have assumed his problem was purely physical—it seemed like an issue of military might, battle plans, state-of-the-art weaponry, number of troops, and strategic leadership. Jehoshaphat knew that there was more and correctly concluded the conflict was spiritual.
So, what did he do? He called the people to fast and pray, and notice how God responded, “Do not be afraid or discouraged by this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Whatever you are facing, we serve a God who wants to fight our battles!
Fasting may feel hard today but take heart and draw near to the Lord. Not only will God fight for us, but He will bring the victory!
Scriptures
2 Chronicles 20:2-3 ESV
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 ESV
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
2 Chronicles 20:25 ESV
When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 ESV
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
2 Chronicles 20:25 ESV
When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.
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