“You Will Not Have to Fight this Battle”

Do you know what the middle verse of the Old Testament is? It’s 2 Chronicles 20:172 Chronicles 20:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.  

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“You will not have to fight in this battle.”

This is a significant verse – and not just because it’s the middle point of the Old Testament. It’s significant because of what it says to those of us fighting a battle – and we all are. King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites were about to be attacked by three enemies: the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites. Imagine, three against one! This was a triple threat. Jehoshaphat had to be worried about how they could defend themselves in such a battle, but God knew what he was thinking. He said, “You will not have to fight in this battle.”

God is much better at fighting your battles

What God tells Jehoshaphat in this passage, and what he would remind us today, is this: “The battle is not yours; it’s mine. You don’t have to fight in it.” It’s God’s problem. Let Him solve it. The fact is, if you are God’s child, then your problems are His problems. And He’s much better at fighting your battles and solving your problems than you will ever be. Your job is to trust Him to work it all out. The reason why we have so many tired, fatigued, and discouraged Christians is they walk around with this Atlas complex – “I’m carrying the entire world on my shoulders! And it all depends on me.” The day you resign as General Manager of the Universe, you’re going to find that it doesn’t fall apart. You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things without your help.



God doesn’t lose battles!

Twice in this passage it says, “Don’t be afraid,” and “Don’t be discouraged.” Has God ever lost a battle? No. He doesn’t lose battles. And because He’s never lost a battle, we should never be afraid. God has a reputation for winning. We are on the winning side. Regardless of the problems or difficulties or the barriers or the circumstances or the delays, ultimately, we are on the winning side. Oh yeah we may lose a few skirmishes here and there, but ultimately, we’re on the winning side. There’s an important phrase in verse 17. God tells Jehoshaphat, “Take up your positions and stand firm.” What does it mean to stand firm? It means to have a mental attitude of quiet confidence. It is never God’s will for you to run from a difficult situation. Instead trust Him. Now what am I to stand firm on while I’m waiting for God to fight my battles? You stand firm on two things:

1. The character of God. He’s faithful. He does not bring us this far just to leave us and let us down. Have faith in the nature and character of God.
2. The truth of His Word. God’s Word is faithful. You can count on the promises found in the Bible.

So beloved, stand still. Remember Who the battle belongs to. Trust that He is able to deliver you. And then watch Him do it!