“Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory.” 2 Chro 20:27 (NLT)
At the end of 2 Chronicles 20: God has just caused Israel’s enemies to turn against each other. While Israel’s army just stood back and watched, their enemies destroyed each other.
“So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped” (2 Chronicles 20:24 NLT).
Sometimes life is like that,You have a seemingly insurmountable problems. We face our enemy and trust God to fight for us. Then we stand unarmed and watch as he wins the victory. But the cost of battle is evident. There are casualties, and things look pretty messy.
But God wants to help us find blessing in the bad. There are things left on the battlefield that God wants to give us. That’s what happened for Israel’s army.
“King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!” (2 Chronicles 20:25 NLT)
Throughout this story, God’s people chose to worship him rather than worry. They allowed God to solve their problems rather than fighting the battle themselves.The ultimate result was more blessing than they could handle.
“On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory” (2 Chronicles 20:26-27 NLT).
Israel had trusted God to win the battle for them. And he did, but he also exceeded their expectations. The battle was won, and they went home richer. God blessed them physically and spiritually.
What battle are we in the middle of today? Are we wondering how to make monthly and daily needs to be met? Are we facing a problem at work or in family? Does it feel like everything in our life is just too much to handle?
If we are fighting an overwhelming battle today, God wants to move us to the valley of blessing. That happens when we choose to worship instead of worry.Amen.