The Battle Is God’s

[Dexu Xia]

Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15

Today's Scripture 2 Chronicles 20:14-19

Today's Insights

The example of King Jehoshaphat is one that’s worthy of emulation. Not only does he go to God in prayer with his overwhelming concern, he also unhesitatingly trusts Him for the solution to the problem (2 Chronicles 20:5-12). This is wisdom indeed, for God said, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’ ” (Isaiah 46:10). Regardless of what challenges we face today, the one who knows the end from the beginning can be trusted to provide the help we need.

Today's Devotion

Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors ministry, Carol found herself being picked on by its domineering leader. She felt so bothered by it that she had to seek counseling. She was advised to quit the ministry, but she didn’t want to “abandon” the seniors. Feeling caught in between, she prayed to God for guidance, and He gave her comfort and assurance as she submitted her fears to Him. He showed her that she should talk to the leader but trust Him to resolve the issue.

When King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God (v. 18).

God’s answer to the king and people through the prophet Jahaziel was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered (vv. 20-21)—and found the battle already won (v. 24).

Whenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.

Reflect & Pray

What difficulties are you facing now? How can you submit your troubles to God?  Mighty God, as I rest in Your sovereign hands, please help me to trust in You, for the battle is Yours.

 By Leslie Koh

争战属于神

不要惧怕，也不要惊惶……因为胜败不在乎你们，乃是上帝决定的。（历代志下 20:15）

今日经文：历代志下 20章14-19 节

今日洞见：约沙法王是一个值得效法的榜样。面对巨大的忧虑，他不仅向上帝祷告，更毫不犹豫地信靠上帝，确信祂能解决难题（历代志下 20:5-12）。这确实是智慧之举，因为上帝曾说：“我从起初指明末后的事，从古时言明未成的事，说：‘我的筹算必立定，凡我所喜悦的，我必成就’”（以赛亚书 46:10）。无论今天我们面临何种挑战，那位从起初就知晓结局的上帝，是值得信靠的，祂必会提供我们所需的帮助。

 今日灵修分享 卡萝尔很喜欢在教会的长者事工中结交朋友并提供帮助，但她却发现自己遭到了该事工一位专横的领袖刁难。这让她深感困扰，甚至不得不寻求心理辅导。有人建议她退出这项事工，但她不愿“抛下”那些长者。在进退两难之际，她向上帝寻求指引；当她将内心的恐惧交托给神时，祂赐予了她安慰与确据。神让她明白，她应当与那位领袖沟通，但要信靠神来解决这个问题。

 当约沙法王听说有强大的敌人逼近耶路撒冷时，他的第一反应就是祷告。他诉诸上帝的主权，说道：“我们不知道怎样行，我们的眼目单仰望祢”（历代志下 20:12）。犹大王和百姓没有倚靠自己的力量，而是将自己和所面临的困境都交托给上帝（18节）。 神借着先知雅哈悉向君王和百姓传达了令人振奋的回答：“不要惧怕，也不要惊惶……因为胜败不在乎你们，乃是上帝决定的。”（15节）。神吩咐犹大人出战，但要将结果交托给祂。他们凭信心行事，赞美神，仿佛祷告已蒙应允（20-21节）,结果发现胜局已定（24节）。 每当我们面临困境时，让我们祷告并仰望上帝的帮助。我们未必总能亲眼看见胜利，但无论发生什么，都无需惧怕，因为这场争战是属于祂的。

  反思与祷告 你目前正面临什么困难？你该如何将这些难处交托给上帝？大能的上帝啊，当我安息在祢掌管一切的手中时，求祢帮助我信靠祢，因为这场争战是属于祢的。

作者：莱斯利 柯