Can there be such a thing as … “The Best Bible Story?”
Well…the story of one of Israel's battles ('cause they had quite a few...kinda like we do) certainly ranks among the top Bible accounts.
Nutshell: Israel was about to be annihilated by her enemies. King Jehoshaphat called a fast (yes, fasting often precedes spiritual advancement for God’s Kingdom) and calls the nation to no-holds-barred prayer. The Spirit speaks through a prophet who tells the people,
“And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.”
2 Chronicles 20:15
Israel defeats her enemy by…singing….yes, singing. Singing God’s praises. (Kind of out-of-the-box warfare…don’t you think?)
There is much, much, much to receive from 2 Chronicles 20...however...I sense the Lord wanting me to only direct your attention to one aspect of the story…one word… “Listen.”
Whatever it is we are facing, or someone we love is facing…the first and best thing we can do after pouring our hearts out to God is to listen for...His voice. For as surely as He spoke to Israel…He will speak to our hearts…He calls us to listen. Listen first…then obey…
Then stand back as He moves on our behalf.
photo: Once Wed