By Kingsley Baehr

Please find a Bible and read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 in sections according to this outline.
[It is a fascinating story. You won’t regret spending time on it.]

  1. The Coalition Comes on. – vs. 1,2
  2. The Cry Goes Up. – vs. 3-12
  3. The Confidence Comes Down. – vs. 13-17
  4. The Choir Goes Out. – vs. 18-21
  5. The Coalition Comes Apart. – vs. 22,23
  6. The Collection Goes Well. – vs. 24-26
  7. The Conquerors Come Home. – vs.27,28
  8. The CONQUEROR Gives Rest. – vs. 29,30
[This historical account took place about 840 B.C. Old Testament accounts of battles against physical enemies need to be applied today as battles against our three enemies, Satan, the world system that has set itself against God, and sexual immorality.]

IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE – Prov. 14:26
Please notice what the prophet Jahaziel said to King Jehoshaphat and his subjects about the three armies that were threatening them:
“DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISMAYED [DISCOURAGED],... FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’S.”

Why did the prophet of God say this to the King?
  1. Because the king and his small army were afraid of the massive host march-ing toward them.
  2. Because King Jehoshaphat had prayed,
“We have no power against this great multitude;... nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You [God].”
Remember: “Fearing God = Having a reverential awe of Him, trusting Him and loving Him.”
As illustrated by this story, what can we learn from the answers to the following questions?
  1. When we are afraid of people, circumstances, or spiritual powers, what can we do?
  2. When we ask God for His help, what should we expect?
  3. How can we show God that we totally trust Him to “win the battle” for us?
Try thinking about these verses along the same lines:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’” – Psalm 91:2
“The [Messenger of the LORD = Jesus] encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” – Psalm 34:7

GOD IS MORE POWERFUL THAT ANY ENEMY WE WILL EVER FACE.
A WISE RESPONSE? YIELD YOUR LIFE TO HIM,
GO FORWARD, TRUSTING THAT THE VICTORY IS ASSURED.
[This is the second of a three-part series on “The Fear of the Lord.]”