Day 16. Third Principle of Freedom
Question 1 and 2
A Victorious Plan for Battle
Today’s lesson is a little longer. Feel free to split it over several days. Don’t rush through this; it is one of the most important lessons in the course!
“This is where I’ve learned the most about how to have victory: going to God to get a plan, seeking Him in prayer, and studying His Word. The Holy Spirit has planted a plan in my heart to overcome bulimia.” Kathryn
We saw in the previous lesson that the first battle against Ai didn’t turn out so well, so let’s now look at one that did. As we look at this story, keep in mind that we’re studying the essentials of looking to the Lord (not man) for victory when going into battle.
“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 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).”
2 Chronicles 20:1-2
Consider this: Jehoshaphat, God's chosen king, faced a formidable enemy—a large army that sought to overthrow him and God's people. Similarly, we encounter our own "army," composed of impure thoughts and actions, battles with various vices, and overwhelming discouragement. This enemy is relentless and seeks to overpower us. So, what can we learn from Jehoshaphat's response?
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.”
2 Chronicles 20:3–4
Ah, Jehoshaphat resolves to inquire of the Lord! In the next few verses, Jehoshaphat prays to the Lord, and he ends with this statement: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat humbly recognized the strength and vastness of the enemy, admitting his own powerlessness and lack of understanding.
It's important for us to understand that there is no shame in acknowledging the power of our enemy and our inability to overcome it on our own. Often, we struggle for years until we realize that our human efforts and plans cannot truly set us free. This posture of complete dependence on God for victory is the right position to take before Him.
The Lord's Plan for Battle
In 2 Chronicles 20:13–17, we see that God indeed gave them His very specific and clear battle plan, and this is what the Lord says to you, also:
"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow, march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."
2 Chronicles 20:15–17