The Battle Belongs to the Lord II

King J closes his marvelous God-centered prayer in verse 12 with one of my favorite statements in the Word: "for we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."  Interestingly, the circumstances haven't changed- a massive army is still advancing against him.  In fact, it's only some 15 kms away.  However, King J doesn't see the army.  Instead of panic he has peace.  Instead of fear he has faith.  Instead of doubt he has determination.  All he sees is God.  

Several years ago I was looking through my great grandfather's Bible from the late 1800's.  I was reading the story of David and Goliath.  In the margin, he wrote the following: "to be miserable look within, to be distracted look around, but to be happy look UP."  Good advice from a man mightily used of God 100 years ago.  Hebrews picks up this theme: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith" (12:2).  David used this analogy in Psalms 25: 15 "my eyes are ever on the Lord for only he will release my feet from the snare".   

Where are your eyes today?  The problem or the person of Christ?  The financial crisis or the faithfulness of God?  Overwhelming obstacles or God's greatness and glory?  

Apparently, God loves it when His people pray like this.  Suddenly, the Holy Spirit comes on a Jahaziel with a word from heaven.  Up to this point, King J is operating in faith.  He has prayed a pretty radical prayer.  Now the question is how will God respond.  Verse 15 is an incredible verse.  God makes His position clear.   "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's".   

The Holy Spirit exposes the enemy's two favorite tricks: fear and discouragement.  Fear paralyzes us so we take matters into our own hands.   Discouragement steals our courage to continue fighting.  Either way we end up loosing the battle.  The word is clear to King J and it is clear to you and me also: God already knows the enemy's tactics.  Furthermore, we don't have to try and win the battles of life through our cleverness, our talents, our natural abilities, or clever planning.  Rather, we have a sure word that God will fight our battles for us!   

When the enemy messes with God's people, the Lord takes it as a personal offense.  He comes to the aid of His people! He engages the enemy on our behalf.  He releases His power and His authority into the situation.  He shows us the battle plan for securing victory.   Paul said it so eloquently: "If God be for us, WHO can be against us?"  (Part III to follow).