The Battle Belongs to the Lord

By Rick Warren

When you’re facing a difficult situation do you tend to get anxious or worry? How would you feel if God said to you, “Don’t be afraid; I’m going to take care of it.” Think about the peace and security this would give you, no matter how hard your situation!

That’s what God said to King Jehoshaphat when three enemy nations came against him.

Jehoshaphat immediately turned to God and prayed, “We are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB).

No doubt you’ve been in situations that seemed hopeless and where you felt powerless. You may even feel that way right now and are desperately praying for a breakthrough. Just like he said to Jehoshaphat, God says to you, “Don’t be afraid; I’m going to take care of it.”

As you wait and look to God to break through that difficult situation, there are four things to remember:

God is bigger than your problems! “Do not be afraid or discouraged, because of this vast army” (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV). God says, “This isn’t a problem for me; I’m bigger than any army.” No problem is too small or too big for God!

God will handle it. “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV). One reason you’re often so worn out by life is this: You’re trying to fight battles that belong to God.

God says hold tight. “Take up your positions; stand firm” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV). Standing firm takes an enormous amount of faith, but God wants you to trust in him.

Wait and watch what God does. “Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV). Expect God to answer your prayers. Look for where he is at work in your circumstances.

There are so many things in life that you don’t have control over. But they’re under God’s control. So, you don’t need to move. You don’t need to manipulate. Instead, you can have an attitude of quiet confidence in God. And as you do, your faith will deepen as you learn to expect his provision even when facing your biggest problems.