For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. (Psalm 18:39, ESV)

What do we do when the enemy comes at us full force? What kind of battle plan do we make when things look bleak and we are outnumbered?

In II Chronicles 20, the enemies of Judah aligned themselves against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered, and the outlook was grim. What Jehoshaphat did next cannot be found in any military manual. What he did required bold faith. He did not call for the generals and top military strategists. Instead, he called a prayer meeting. That was the best way to resist the enemy.

HOW TO RESPOND TO ADVERSITY

Jehoshaphat chose to pray, not panic. Yes, there was momentary fear, but he replaced his fear with faith. Verse 3 tells us that he "set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." Jehoshaphat's plan of action was to seek God and to call the nation to fasting and prayer.

The people admitted that they did not have the answer to their problem. They needed direction from God. "'For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.' Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children." (II Chronicles 20:12-13, ESV)

They recognized they did not have the strength needed for victory. They needed to rely on God's strength. Isaiah 40:27 declares, "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength" (ESV). He is the one who empowers us.

A SIMPLE PLAN

The Spirit of the Lord spoke through a man names Jahaziel and told the people of Judah where the enemy army was located. He also provided the battle plan. It was a simple plan but not a typical military strategy. The message delivered was, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chronicles 20:15, ESV). God would handle it.

What was God's plan? It was easy. They were to sing and praise Him! The worshipers marched ahead of the army — an army that really needed no weapons because the battle was God's. When they reached the enemy camp, everyone was dead. With God setting the ambushes, not a single enemy soldier escaped alive. They had destroyed each other.

The spoil left behind took three days for the people of Judah to gather up and bring home. What could have been a battle became a blessing.

CHOOSE TO PRAY AND PRAISE

The story of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah was not a one-time happening. Repeatedly, the Bible records times when God gave victory to His people in seemingly impossible situations. After all, nothing is too difficult for Him. Romans 8:31 says that when God is for us, who can be stand against us.

When battles come, and they will, don't panic. Our battle plan is to pray and praise. And perhaps we should sing as we go.

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17, KJV)

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk