When Faced With An All-Powerful Enemy Or An Impossible Task

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:18

The Battle Is The Lord's

Our human minds cannot approach the mind and power of God. “With God all things are possible†(Matthew 19:26) so it is critical to look to God when faced with an all-powerful, over-whelming enemy or an impossible task. Hope can be brought back to life as easily as Lazarus (John 11:40-43). So, too, can an enemy be defeated. But not if we attempt with our own limited resources.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was surrounded by three armies. The reality was stark; Jehoshaphat knew he could not win. “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.â€(v. 12) The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel who said, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s†(v. 15).

God’s Battle Plan

God told Jehoshaphat where to position his army and said, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.†(v. 17) The army marched singing to the Lord and praising Him for the splendor of His holiness. The weapons were words of praise.

The Outcome of the Lord’s Battle
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. (v. 22-23)

Our Battle Plan

It is too easy to ascribe supernatural power to our enemies (of all kinds) and lose hope of a solution to our most critical needs . Our God can defeat any enemy, whether something outside or within. Call upon the Lord in your most desperate, direst time and keep your eyes on Him.

Our Lord is great, vast in power; his understanding is infinite… He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; he does not value the power of a warrior. The LORD values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love.â€Â 
Psalm 147:5, 10-11 (CSB)