Text: 2 Chronicles 20:15
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.
Introduction:
What does battle mean? It is a sustained fight between large organized armed forces (Oxford Dictionary).
There are two types of battles:
i. Physical Battles
ii. Spiritual Battles.
Physical battles are battles that confront you physically.
Spiritual battles are battles you cannot see with your naked eyes, but you can feel them. It is difficult to find the source of spiritual battle, except through divine intervention.
Note this: the battle of life is real, it is powerful. You don’t need to offend anyone before you encounter battle.
Battles are ignited out of envy, jealousy, hatred, evil competitions, misunderstanding, unfaithfulness, rivalry, slander, anger, aggression, etc.
Unfortunately, many don’t know the reason why they are facing their current battle. It could be as a result of a curse in the family, a self-imposed curse or an evil covenant. Whatever may be the cause of the battle you are facing right now, there is an Anchor which keeps the soul. He is the only mighty Man in battle. He has never lost a battle; He will help you out because all power belongs to Him.
DO NOT BE AFRAID
To be afraid is to have an unsettled mind. Outrightly, it is the absence of faith.
There is no how you would hear the sad news that you won’t be afraid. Devil uses fear as a weapon to distract you and to make you powerless. Have this in your mind that, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.”
God told Jehosaphat and his people not to be afraid. To be afraid is to give up on the wish and will of the enemies. To be afraid is to make yourself a slave to fear. To be afraid is to limit the power of God over the situation you are going through. To be afraid is to announce that you are a loser.
Put this word of God in your mind always;
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with You; do not be dismayed, for I am Your God. I Will Strengthen You And Help You; I Will Uphold You With My Righteous Right Hand.”
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED
To be discouraged is to lose confidence or enthusiasm, or become disheartened (Online Dictionary).
When you feel discouraged, you will be emotionally down. If this happens, you will have no strength to confront the battle. Discouragement will make you put on the garment of a loser.
When you are discouraged, you won’t be able to strategize.
In the lead scripture, 2 Chronicles 20:15, the word of the Lord to Jehosaphat and his people is that they should not be afraid or discouraged. That is the message to you right now.
In that situation you are going through, never give up. Never compromise. Don’t be discouraged. Let your spirit be refreshed in the Word of the Lord. Look up, and begin to see yourself on the winning side.
Conclusion
I want you to develop your faith with these musical words:
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely?
And long for heaven and home.When Jesus is my portion;
A constant friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow;
And I know He watches over me;
His eye is on the sparrow;
And I know He watches me.Refrain;
I sing because I’m happy;
I sing because I’m free;
His eye is on the sparrow;
And I know He watches me (He watches me).
His eye is on the sparrow;
And I know He watches;
I know He watches;
I know He watches me…The battle is not yours, it’s of the Lord.
Let’s pray.
1. Lord, I thank You that You are always ready to fight for me.
2. Thank God For His grace on you.
3. God’s goodness, grace & mercy shall be your companion as you go this month.
4. The Lord Himself will watch over you; He will hide you on His protective side and keep you from all evils in Jesus Christ’s name.
5. The grace of God shall find you at the junction of condemnation.
6. You shall operate in the abundance of God’s greater grace, and it shall not be difficult for you to break through in the name of Jesus Christ.
7. The gracious hand of God shall be on you as you go this week.
8. By the grace of God, unexpected doors of breakthrough shall open for you and it shall be well with you in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.