In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the children of Israel that God would fight for them if they would be still. To be still means to trust God, to give Him time to work on your situation, and to know that He is in charge. When you go through a battle, it becomes obvious who you belong to. Do you seek after God or do you turn to this world and the devil to find your solution?
We are in a battle everyday–in your mind and in your heart. In 2 Chronicles 20:15, the Bible tells us that the battle belongs to the Lord. But when you rebel against Him and hold on to sin, you take the battle as your own. Sin, rebellion, and disobedience opens the door to battles in your life.
King Jehoshaphat went through a battle because of his friendship and alliance with King Ahab, enemy of God (2 Chronicles 19:1-3). God was grieved by his ungodly friendship. King Ahab knew the Word of God, but refused to live by it. He turned back on God.
When you are friends with those who come against God, there will be a price to pay in your own life. You will suffer spiritually. You open doors in your life for Satan to attack you. Psalm 1:1-6 tells us not to walk with the ungodly. If you do, you will eventually perish with them. James 4:4 tells us that friendship with this world is enmity with God.
Despite Jehoshaphat’s sin, God saw good in him. 2 Chronicles 17:6 shows us that he had a good start. He brought spiritual reformation, order, security, and peace to Judah. God still wanted to use him, but his sin brought a battle to his life. When Jehoshaphat saw this battle, he cried out to God (2 Chronicles 20:1-9). This is how we know that he truly repented for his sin.
King Jehoshaphat did not trust in Israel or any other nation to bring deliverance from this battle. Instead, he trusted in God and God brought victory. When we trust in God, He will fight for us and bring great victory into our lives.
God bless you!
Pastor Sun Hui East
This is such a powerful teaching Pastor Sun Hui East. I was very moved as I read it. I know that I have rationalized friendships with people that I “hope get saved through association” that have, at best, been a waist of time for me… at worst, they have affected the depth of my relationship with the Lord during the days that I’ve spent with them. A second painful example of this is my son’s ex-wife who brought a luke-warch Christianity to their marriage and pulled away from the things of God later… my son suffered and felt lost from God himself as he was in constant conversation with her. Only in his complete separation from her did he reunite with the Lord in a way that he said was real.
I had a similar experience with an in-law that later left the family. We need to be very aware of who is able to poison us and be wise with them.
Thank you Pastor Sun East for the reminder to be in prayer, and to let God fight our battles. Sometimes it is so hard to just sit and be prayerful ,and not take matters into your own hands. History of shown us that those who take matters into their own hands usually go through a longer trial. Lord help me to trust you more!
If only I could learn to surrender and trust Him. Praise God for you Pastor Sun Hui East. My older son is still grateful for your kindness to him during his dark time… and so am I.
I agree that we are ALWAYS in a battle! Satan doesn’t take a rest, that’s for sure…
No he doesn’t, that’s for sure!
I also have had a price to pay for each relationship I kept alive that didn’t please the Lord. Good points Pastor Sun Hui East.
It is nice to be reminded that “the battle belongs to God”! Thank you, Pastor Sun Hui East, for your posts, as they always bring some peace to an otherwise hectic day!
very true, amen. good post Pastor Sun!
I am SO grateful that the Lord is willing to remember & consider our good qualities. I’m glad you found that perspective in this passage Pastor Sun Hui East. You have been a great encourager always
I’m so glad the Battle belongs to God, how else could we survive or EVER overcome!? Thank you Lord! Good post Pastor Sun Hui East.
Good reminder for us to let go and let God fight the battle for us!
Yes, I agree that we are in a battle every day. Your posts ring true every week Pastor Sun Hui East
When I read what God has to say through Pastor Sun, I am not only convicted to search my heart but I also walk away with fresh perspective, renewed resolve to purify my heart. I need to have a good ending.
I truly want to leave the battle in God’s hands!! Thank you Jesus for helping us through. Good post Pastor Sun Hui East!
So true, good points all through this blog. Helpful teaching Pastor Sun Hui East!
Often I feel like I’m the one battling, however, Pastor Sun, you are right… the battle belongs to God. Thank you for a good post.