2 Chronicles 20:29,30
“And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides.”
This was quite a change of events. Ammon, Moab and another kingdom were coming against Judah to destroy it. It wasn’t until a day or so before that they were aware of the attack. They gathered and prayed a humble prayer. God answered through the prophet and said, “You need not fight in this battle; take your position, stand and watch the salvation of the LORD in your behalf”. God did beat the enemy.
Today’s verse was the result. God fights our battles and gives the message, “Don’t mess with My children”. A few years ago I had two coworkers who were against me. It was more of a sense. I felt things closing around me. Then it became public that My wife had cancer. People offered prayers and meals. It changed the narrative. Whatever they were gossiping about was swallowed up with that news. They seemed petty. One changed while the other backed off. I didn’t say a word or do anything. God closed them down.
Yesterday I was down because a misunderstanding left me caught committed to something I didn’t want to be a part of. I had a sleepless night. I got up and spent time in prayer. God assured me it would be ok. I wanted to complain and make the party feel bad for obliging me. What complicated this is that I didn’t have time for this. I asked to do this another day. No. I fumed. God wanted me to take the high road. I showed up to help and no one was there. I told myself I would give him 30 minutes and would leave. I even typed out a text, but didn’t send. They showed up with 5 minutes to spare. They showed up apologetic. While helping I mentioned I didn’t want this. They were surprised. They mentioned that I was there just to help. They felt real bad. I was able to get out of there quickly and was left unburdened and blessed. God fought that battle. I barely had to say anything.
God fights our battles and leaves us with honor. We don’t need to defend ourselves. It couldn’t be better. It helps if we do what He says. Here was their job, “You need not fight in this battle; take your position, stand and watch the salvation of the LORD in your behalf.” Sometimes we get impatient and act. It usually complicates things.
I Peter 4:15 says, “Indeed none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.” Our actions can complicate things. Let that not be so. God can still save, but the situation or we are tainted.
It does take patience. When I was waiting for my friend. I gave him 30 minutes. However during the wait I was tempted to just leave. A message would have been sent, but only half as powerful. I have done that in the past. I was hasty. God was right. He gave the full message and left me in a good position.
Another charge given by God was for them to stand. In Paul’s explanation of the spiritual battle he says this in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” An important part of the battle is for us to stand. Don’t retreat, don’t advance. Stand. Colossians 2:7 says, “rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” We are to stand like a strong tree in the wind. Branches will flex this way and that, but that tree will stand. So are we to stand. We don’t need all these strategies.
The Ephesian passage says, “having done everything to stand”. What does that mean? We are to be in His Word, we are to trust Him, we aren’t to fear, we are to praise Him for what He will do. These are the elements of a relationship with God. Let Him love and care for us. When the wind blows, He’s got us.
Lord, thank You for fighting our battles. You are amazing. Help us to stand. Thank You for doing this and giving us honor in the process.