No one ever embraces a battle. As human beings, we prefer easy living; life without conflict or concerns, yet replete with riches and rewards. Nevertheless, battles and tribulations are a guaranteed part of the human existence. The Israelites were no different. A battle loomed large, off in the distance. The enemy was strikingly scary and taunting to the Israelites. They prepared, in the spiritual realm, for the battle and this is where these writings begin.
Believe. That was Jehoshaphat’s battle cry. He spoke with faith and fortitude to under gird the doubting, fearful hearts in the crowd. After all, overwhelming battles can make a coward out of most of us, if we step apart from our faith in God.
Praise. Jehoshaphat recognized the power that is produced when praises are released. As the people began to sing praises, note what transpired:
“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people …. Who had come against Judah; and they were defeated” (2 Chronicles 20: 22)
God’s intervention caused utter chaos in the enemies’ camps. They did not strike and kill Jehoshaphat’s people; they turned on and killed each other. The battle was truly the Lord’s as the Israelites did not even have to get their hands bloody on the battlefield. Not one of their enemies had escaped. Now that is annihilation of one’s enemy. That is the example of annihilation of an enemy that I want to witness with my antagonist, cancer.
It is worthy to note that nineteen verses were utilized to present the crisis and for the spiritual preparations that they made before entering into battle. In four brief Scriptures, Jehoshaphat and Company triumphed over their enemy.
What does this example portray to believers? Prepare. Pray. Pursue the enemy in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. As believers, we would rather whine, complain and fear the enemies we are confronting. Instead of taking time and effort to prepare for life battles as Jehoshaphat exemplified, modern Christians tend to enter into life battles, unprepared and incapable. Their battles seem unending and unrelenting. They waver in their faith. They become weary. And before you can say, “Jehoshaphat”, they are defeated.
Many people question me as to how I have withstood the battle of cancer for nearly thirteen years. This passage of Scripture is precious to me because it has been my battle plan. I know my enemy well. Once in awhile I will falter and allow fear to tap on my shoulder. Nonetheless, I quickly return and replicate God’s instructions for Jehoshaphat. Pray to my Savior. Trust Him to bring the victory. Compare leukemia to the power of Almighty God - there is no comparison. Enlist the weapons of praise and thanksgiving into the battle.
Through these years, I have watched God triumph over the enemies of leukemia, infections, life-threatening reactions and other complications, time and time again. The battle is the Lord’s. Praises be to His Most Holy Name.
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