Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:2-3
Many Christians do not understand they are engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil at all times. These demons won’t give up or surrender easily. They are assigned by the prince of darkness to attack, discourage, frustrate and ultimately destroy believers physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But unfortunately, too many Christians do not have a spirit-led strategy for their spiritual warfare.
One of the most important parts of any strategy to fight demonic forces is prayer. Prayer is not only our cry for help from the Lord’s army, it enhances our spiritual strength and gives us enough spiritual collateral to invest in our spiritual walk as we fight the devil and his demons. Indeed, prayer is an investment in God’s kingdom economy that Jesus himself warrants.
Because prayer is an investment in God’s kingdom economy, it is necessary to have a strategy. Such a prayer strategy should include a desire to remain sensitized to the Holy Spirit. Because prayer is a spiritual exercise, we should be intentional to be Holy Spirit led so we do not give in to the desires of the flesh. The best way to do this is by adhering to Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
In today’s text, King Jehoshaphat is facing an invasion by a combined army of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Jehoshaphat did not have the military ability to repel that invasion. Thus, instead of meeting with his military leaders to develop a strategy to fight the invading army, he prayed and fasted. This may seem weird for a King to call for prayer instead of preparing to face his enemies on the battlefield. But that was the best strategy Jehoshaphat could have developed.
Jehoshaphat’s prayer strategy was Spirit-led and effective. Because he prayed, the Lord moved on behalf of the nation of Judah by causing their enemies to self-destruct. In 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, we are told that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and the Lord told the King: do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battel is not yours, but God’s.
The Spirit of God is our intercessor and enabler. Our prayer strategy should always be Spirit-centered. The Spirit gives us the language to pray. He increases the potency of our prayers and makes sure that God hears our prayers in the language the Almighty appreciates. The Holy Spirit ensures we get the right answer from God, even if that’s not the answer we wanted.
Jehoshaphat did not know how God was going to deliver him from his enemies. But because he trusted God and prayed in the Spirit, the Lord destroyed his enemies without a military battle. Perhaps you are facing enemies that are seemingly too strong for you to fight. Can I encourage you to develop a prayer strategy and turn your battle over to the Lord as Jehoshaphat did! Invest more time in prayer than anything else then wait on the Lord with hope trusting that He will bring you through. As you wait on the Lord, invite the Spirit to sustain and strengthen you so you can remain steadfast and joyful as you watch your enemy self-destruct.
Questions for Personal Reflection?
What is your strategy for investing in prayer?
How can you become more sensitized to the Holy Spirit?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to give me the language to pray fervently and effectually. Help me to trust your promises and wait on your deliverance when enemies are marching against me from every side. May those who are reading this devotional understand the significance of developing a prayer strategy that is centered on your Holy Spirit. May they exercise their faith and trust that you will deliver all those who call on you in the name of Jesus.