Week 7 – February 9-15, 2025: When God Goes to Battle

This week’s daily readings:

February 9-15, 2025

This week’s devotional:

When God Goes to Battle

by Rev. Justin Elerath

Scripture:

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. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
— 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (NIV) 

Reflection:

Maybe you have heard the expression, “God helps those who help themselves.” We like to believe that saying is true because, contrary to what the words in the expression say, it really demonstrates our desire to be able to take care of things on our own. It is natural to want to be independent. But the truth is we can’t be. God allows us to go through tough situations so that he is glorified. Sometimes that means a reliance on God that is unnatural for humans. That means taking steps where we can’t see where we’re about to place our foot next. In those times, we shall place our trust in God in a way that, if he doesn’t show up, we’re in a world of hurt. That is what Judah was called to do in this Scripture passage. 

The instruction starts off, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” The people of Judah were called to place their trust in God as underdogs in a fight they couldn’t win, and they knew it. But they were promised, “You do not have to fight this battle.” What would it look like if we actually followed that advice in our own lives? What does it look like for you to relinquish control in the context of your life? 

While God had assured them it wasn’t their battle to fight, he did expect them to participate. “Take up your positions; stand firm…” They needed to show up ready to fight. They needed to train. They had to prepare their bodies to be able to meet the challenges they would face so that they were prepared to take their positions. “Take your positions” means “Be ready to do your job.” When we act in faith, it doesn’t mean we show up for battle with no preparation. We should be ready to fight the fight. It is likely a fight we can’t win on our own, but we need to participate. When we fight this fight, we must be prepared. There are other battles that require us to get our bodies in shape, to follow a regimented diet, to build our strength so that we can endure what we’re about to go through, but the one who really wins this battle is the Lord. 

Prayer:

O God, you are mighty in battle. How I love that you’ve promised to fight my fight for me! Knowing that, I can stand firm and not be afraid. Help me to see my part in the coming battle and to do what’s necessary: to be prepared and to have faith that you will once again win the victory. Because of your love and your strength, I have confidence to face tomorrow, free from discouragement. I will win because you are on my side! I praise you and glorify your might name. Amen