Jumpin’ Jehosaphat. We’ve heard the phrase, but was he a real person? Yes. In fact, Jehosaphat was a prominent King of Judah, the son of Asa. The amazing account of King Jehosaphat’s faith in God is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:17. But what we won’t find there, or anywhere else in scripture, is a reference to Jehosaphat doing any jumping. So, go figure.
What we do find is King Jehosaphat doing a lot of waiting. He waited on God. He showed us how to obey God and win a war. God’s ways are not our ways, especially when it comes to fighting battles. God gave unusual instructions when King Jehosaphat asked what to do to win against a vast army. God said, “Stand still.” If the command would have been given in today’s military terms, it would have been, “Stand down.” In an offensive battle this is not done. King Jehosaphat’s words are recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:17: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” Fighting words? Not exactly. Here’s something to think about. Let’s remember when we allow our battles to be fought God’s way, there is no question who will win. The victory begins with our choice to believe God will conquer our foes.
What battles rage on your field today? Are you disillusioned with someone who has let you down? Maybe a little disappointed in your job or suffering from financial loss? Like many, you might be grieving a loved one or struggling with addiction? It doesn’t matter what you are facing today; your battle is important. And God wants to help you win.
Our natural human reaction is to look at the magnitude of our problems. Sometimes these seem like enemy troops multiplying before our eyes, and we might be tempted to focus on the problems and not God’s solutions. In the past, we’ve used temporary quick-fix methods of the world—words with pat phrases, fad diets, worldly advise. And like Dr. Phil says, “How has this worked out for you?” That’s right; those feeble ways have failed us time and time again. Let’s make a determination to submit and commit to God’s tactics to fight our enemy: stop, stand still, wait, and believe. When the victory comes, it will be clear it came from God. Then we celebrate.
Let’s check out a few pointers from 2 Chronicles 19, the battle of King Jehosaphat:
1. Stop. “Cease striving and know I am God,” Psalm 46:10.
One of the most difficult things is to battle God’s way, to stop. Let God take over.
2. Stand still. “Take your position, stand still, and watch the Lord’s victory,” 2 Chronicles 20:17.
If we are stopped, we are forced to be still. When we are motionless, we are required to rely on resources outside of our control.
3. Wait. “That is why I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised,” Psalm 130:5.
Everyone spends time in “God’s waiting room.” Waiting for the red light to change green, waiting for a child to be released from school for the day, waiting on test results, waiting on the prodigal’s return. The question is, “Will you invite God into your waiting room?” While you are waiting, invite God into your waiting room. Let Him keep your expectations on His ways and your eyes on His solutions.
4. Believe. “See the deliverance the Lord will give you,” 2 Chronicles 19:17.
Do you think God is taking too long? He wants us to wait. God is never late; He is always on time. We must trust Him—that’s called belief. Will you allow your fear to be changed into faith? Your anxiety to be replaced with hope? Your worry to be renewed by praise?
5. Celebrate. ” Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever,” 2 Chronicles 19:21.
God ushers in victory. We thank Him and praise Him: the only way our win happened was because of His intervention. As victorious warriors, empowered by our mighty God, we conquer the enemy. God gets all the glory. Now that’s a reason to JUMP with joy!
Let’s pray:
Dear Father, protect my family and friends from everything but what will glorify you. You know our tendency—to run ahead of you. Forgive us for our impatience, our manipulation, our unwillingness to allow You to work. Help us to stop, stand still, wait, and believe You are working. We celebrate the victory You bring. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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