Praise God for the Victory in Advance!
Dr RJ Sing · 1 min read
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat received a bad report (v 2). A negative report can knock you down, as illustrated through the bad report given by the 10 spies in Moses’ day. Your response to a bad report often determines the outcome.
Jehoshaphat’s response teaches several lessons. First: don’t respond in fear, but in faith (2 Chronicles 20:3). Second: find a promise that fits your case and stand upon that promise, using it as the basis of your prayer (v 9). Third: based upon that same promise, claim your inheritance and stand your ground, resisting all claim jumpers (v 11). Fourth: turn the battle over to God (v 15). Finally, praise God for the victory in advance (v 21-22)!
The world takes a bad report as the final statement of fact regarding a matter. As a Christian, you know that we can reverse a report. Jehoshaphat’s ordeal went from the dreadful fear and alarm of the first report to the joyful, triumphal return to Jerusalem. The same battle plan will work for you: Fear not, find a promise, claim your inheritance, turn the battle over to God and praise Him in advance. You will win!
From the November 2011 issue, themed “I Must Experience 1000 Times More”.
