The Power of Prayer

In the midst of all the unfaithfulness that plagues Israel, a story of faithfulness is given. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah reforms the justice system refocusing on the Laws of God. He instructs the judges that they are "not judging for man but for the LORD". Whether it was his desire to serve God or some other event, the next thing we are told is that his neighbors were sending a vast army to make war against Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. He is told of the impending attack and his actions in the face of war are worthy of our consideration.

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. Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard and said: “LORD, the God of our ancestors, 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. 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? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from  Ammon,  Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? 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 Chron. 20:3-12)
The king knows where hope is found. Confronted with "unwinnable odds", Jehoshaphat declares a fast and determines to seek God's help for his people. Through his leadership, the people of Judah, from every town came together and sought the LORD’s help. He did not trust in the might of his army or the power of his intellect, he turned to God and led the people whom he ruled to seek God's help. (Where can we find leaders like that?)
With all the people assembled at the temple, Jehoshaphat stands up and offers a mighty prayer in which he praises God for His power, His rule over the nations. He thanks God for deliverance of His people and the fulfilling of the land promise. He reminds God of His promise to deliver His people if they would cry out to Him. He lays their requests for deliverance at God's feet and honestly proclaims "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you".
Humility is not usually an attribute associated with power, but here we have a king willing to publically admit that he is clueless in the face of his enemy. He shows his dependence on God and calls upon all the people to follow him in submission. Take a moment to imagine the scene, the king standing in prayer, all the people around him as he offers a prayer for God's help. Meanwhile, the enemy continues to march towards Jerusalem to drive out the Israelites. Faith vs. force. Prayer vs. power.
Las Vegas would certainly offer good odds for the enemies of Judah. Physical eyes would see a forthcoming slaughter; spiritual eyes would see a sure victory for the faithful. The people stand together before the LORD and wait for His response. He doesn't make them wait long as He sends his message through His servant, Jahaziel. "Do not be afraid or discouraged becauseof this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's". (20:13-19) The battle is not yours, but God's!
The king understood that hope, real hope is only found in God. He demonstrates his trust by leading the people in prayer before the King. He places their future in His hands. And God doesn't let His people down! When God's people are attacked, God is attacked. He takes it personally! Jehoshaphat assembles the people to march out to fight, armed with.... songs. They go out singing and praising Him and He fought the battle for them, defeating the enemy.
Lessons to learn.... first, when trouble comes our way, remember where our help comes from: the maker of heaven and earth. Leaders and followers alike turn to God in prayer; ask for His help when you are faced with difficult odds in your life. Second, wait for His response. Too many times, I ask for His help and then jump out ahead of Him. Wait, patiently for His leadership in our lives. Go to His word and seek wisdom. Ask mature brothers and sisters for guidance. Let God work. Lastly, in the face of difficulty, sing to and praise the Creator. Stop thinking about yourself and how difficult you have it and just praise God. He will work on your behalf, He promises.
May we determine to be like Jehoshaphat turning to God when we need help. May we decide that God is the source of all that we need to "win" in this life and the next and may we sing our way through trials and difficulties as God fights our battles. Praise Him.