Facing Incredible Odds // When You Need a Miracle [Part 1 of 5]

“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar’ (that is, En Gedi).  Alarmed…” 2 Chronicles 20:1-3a (NLT)

When Facing Incredible Odds:

1. Tune into God.

“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 (NIV)

2. Pray about the problem.

“Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard.” 2 Chronicles 20:5 (NIV)

  Remind yourself WHO GOD IS.

“And said: ‘O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.’” 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NIV)

  Remind yourself WHAT GOD HAS DONE.

“O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” 2 Chronicles 20:7 (NIV)

  Request God DO IT AGAIN.

“O our God, will you not judge them?” 2 Chronicles 20:12a (KJV)

3. Admit your need.

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.” 2 Chronicles 20:12b (NIV)

4. Focus on God, not your problem.

“We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12c (NIV)

“He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” 2 Chronicles 20:15-16 (NIV)

5. Get support.

“All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 20:13 (NIV)

6. Relax in faith.

“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 20:17 (NIV)

“Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NKJV)

7. Thank God in advance.

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’” 2 Chronicles 20:21 (NIV)

Results of thanking God in advance

   You experience VICTORY. 

“As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NKJV)

   You receive a BLESSING. 

“So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah to this day.” 2 Chronicles 20:25-26 (NIV)

   You’re a TESTIMONY to others. 

“The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles 20:29-30 (NIV)