January 7 – Trust Your Commander

 

2 Chronicles 20:15 – "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."

Reflection: The best soldiers trust their commanders. Place your faith in God, knowing that He fights on your behalf.

This verse comes from a powerful moment in Israel’s history when King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced an overwhelming enemy. A vast coalition of armies—the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites—had joined forces to attack Judah. Knowing they were outnumbered and militarily unprepared, Jehoshaphat turned to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and help.

In response, God sent a message through Jahaziel, a Levite, who declared:
"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."

God promised that Judah would not have to fight the battle themselves—He would deliver them. The next day, instead of sending soldiers first, Jehoshaphat sent out worshippers to praise God, and as they sang, God caused the enemy armies to turn on each other and destroy themselves. Judah won the battle without lifting a sword.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith

For soldiers, 2 Chronicles 20:15 is a reminder that God fights on their behalf. While soldiers must engage in physical battles, there are also spiritual and emotional battles that require total reliance on God. Here’s how this verse applies:

1. Fear and Discouragement Are Real—But God Commands Courage
• Facing battle—whether on the battlefield or in personal struggles—brings fear and discouragement.
• This verse reassures soldiers that God sees the enemy they face, and He is in control.
2. God Fights Battles We Cannot Win on Our Own
• Just as Judah faced an overwhelming enemy, soldiers often face impossible situations—combat, loss, moral struggles, PTSD, and family challenges.
• This verse reminds them that they are not alone—God fights on their behalf, giving them strength beyond their own ability.
3. Victory Comes Through Faith, Not Just Strength
• The people of Judah didn’t fight with weapons—they fought with worship and faith.
• Soldiers are trained for war, but they must also be spiritually prepared, trusting that God’s power, not just human strength, determines the outcome.
4. Surrendering to God’s Plan
• Many soldiers struggle with control—having to trust leaders, orders, and strategies.
• This verse teaches that sometimes, the greatest act of courage is to surrender to God, trusting His plan and His timing, even when things seem impossible.

ENDEX

2 Chronicles 20:15 is a battle cry of faith. It reminds soldiers that while they train, fight, and endure hardship, ultimate victory belongs to God. Whether in war, personal struggles, or life’s challenges, God calls them to trust in His power—because some battles can only be won by faith.