The Battle Belongs to God

Many years ago, I taught eighth grade math. During my first year of teaching, I floated—no classroom to call my own. I traveled from room to room carrying my briefcase and books. One class of students kept me on my knees. Three older boys desired to rule the room. But the Lord led me to a story in the Bible that encouraged me and gave me strength to face them each day.

Do you remember the story of Jehoshaphat found in 2 Chronicles 20? He cried out to God for the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat heard that armies were coming to attack their city, and his people did not have the power to fight back. He prayed and looked to the Lord for help. The Lord spoke. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s (v 15).

God instructed the people to march against the enemy but not fight. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah bowed before the Lord and worshipped Him. Others stood and offered praise to the Lord with a loud voice. The next morning they went out to face their enemies. Jehoshaphat stood and encouraged the people to have faith. He then appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise Him saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever (v 21).

When the people sang praises, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies causing them to kill one another. Judah did not have to fight.

Jehoshaphat’s story became my own. Every time I entered this classroom, I felt under attack and didn’t know how to handle the situation. I cried out to the Lord for help and realized the battle belonged to Him. Every day, when I climbed the stairs to this room, I repeated Jehoshaphat’s song of praise. “I thank you Lord, for Your love endures forever.” Within three weeks, the Lord delivered me.

Are you asking if the Lord set ambushes against these three boys and they killed one another? I’m thankful that didn’t happen, but I no longer stressed over the situation. The Lord moved one to another town, expelled another, and sent the third to a different school. God fought my battle, and I continue to praise Him.

What battle are you facing today? Give thanks to the Lord. His love endures forever.