Step In as an Answer to Prayer

“After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle… Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah… 

“Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land..? And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir… [have come] to drive us out… O our God,.. 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.’

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel.., a Levite of the sons of Asaph…  And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.” Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord…

“And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa… Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed…’

“When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” 2 Chronicles 20:1,3,5-7a,10a,11a,12,14-16a,17-18,20,22

The approaching armies could be heard and seen, striking fear in King Jehoshaphat. Responding as was his nature in life’s desperate impossibilities, he turned to the Lord his God and recounted past promises and intervention. He claimed His presence and power to save. And the Lord answered, through Jahaziel His servant, to encourage him in truth, direct next steps, and announce victory.

Many in our circles of influence are fearful and needy. Life’s pressures burden with anxiety and confusion, and people cry out, not knowing where else to turn for relief or help. When we step in as an answer to their prayer, speaking life-giving truth, we never know what far-reaching results the Lord will work through our obedience. Those we aid with spiritual light who step out in faith receive more than imagined, gladness, and soul peace as a result of trusting Him. (2 Chronicles 20:25-30; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Who around us- at home, workplace, public interactions- is in a drought of hope, direction, the light of truth? How sensitive are we to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, how familiar with God’s word, so we are ready with living water? Whom will we encourage with a message of God’s balm, hope, and saving victory today? (John 7:38; 1 Peter 3:15)

Father, fill me to be an agent of grace, truth, and light to those around me, so they can know Your hope, salvation, and victory.