Facing a challenge? Begin by acknowledging your blessings.
By the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had faced enormous challenges and loss.
- A war had divided the country.
- In July alone, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in over 51,000 causalities, including over 7,000 deaths.
- Riots were raging in New York City over emancipation and draft laws.
- His son, Willie, had died the year before.
With immense challenges facing him, the president did what might seem unusual today: he called for a day of thanksgiving for a year “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies ... gracious gifts of the Most High God.” Even though the war raged on, Lincoln repeated this the following year with a second proclamation for a day of thanksgiving.
Abraham Lincoln was not the first commander-in-chief to call for thanksgiving in the thick of war. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, did the same thing. The biblical account of what the people faced—and how they faced it—contains great truth for us today.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Some days it’s tough to read or watch the news. The headlines alone can leave us shaking our heads:
- Multi-car crash shuts down interstate for six hours.
- Business lays off 1,000 workers, announcing all production will go offshore.
- Terrorist bomb kills 20 and injures dozens in market square.
During this week of Thanksgiving, however, we are reminded to be thankful. The apostle Paul gave us this wisdom: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Give thanks in everything? Those are hard words for many of us. Events around the world—and even in our own lives—might cause us to wonder how we can realistically be thankful when life seems to go against us.
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah, the nation also faced difficult times, but they remained thankful. We can look at the challenges they faced and see that, yes, we can be thankful—no matter what.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (HCSB)
10“Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.”
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, sought God’s favor in everything he set out to do (2 Chronicles 17:3-4).
- He sought to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh (1 Kings 22:46; 2 Chronicles 17:6;19:3).
- He sent the Levites and priests throughout the towns of Judah, teaching the people from “the book of the Lord’s instruction” (17:7-9).
- He made sweeping judicial reforms. He charged the judges to be just and impartial in their rulings, keeping in mind they “do not judge for man, but for the Lord” (19:4-11).
But Jehoshaphat still faced attacks from his enemies. Jehoshaphat’s neighbors—the nations surrounding Judah—were combining their forces, preparing to attack and destroy Judah. So when he found out about their plans, he called the nation to prayer.
In his prayer Jehoshaphat reminded the Lord of their history: how He had driven out their enemies in the past and given the land to Israel. He mentioned the promises God had made to the people, and their promises to God. At this point, some of the people listening might have expected the king to make some grand and bold request of God. Instead, he simply pointed out enemies were approaching and said, “We do not know what to do” (v. 12).
No one likes to hear leaders utter such discouraging words, but Jehoshaphat didn’t stop there. He added one more phrase: “We look to You” (v. 12).
2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (HCSB)
14In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”
God gives us encouragement when we need it—and sometimes it comes from unexpected places. Right in the middle of this crowd praying with Jehoshaphat was a man named Jahaziel. God used him to both challenge and encourage the people: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s“ (v. 15).
Why should we be thankful? We can be thankful because the battle is not ours; the battle belongs to God. If you belong to Christ, you are a child of God; consequently, any attack against you is against Him. It is God’s battle to fight. We can be thankful because God is with us!
We neither have the power to solve every problem nor do we always know what to do, but based on Jahaziel’s words, we can do three things.
- Put away fear and discouragement (v. 15). They were in Jerusalem, a relatively small city, and three powerful armies were preparing to come against them. It didn’t look good. Have you ever felt like you’re being attacked from different directions? In those moments, we should do as the people of Judah did: set aside our fear, choose to trust, and wait for God to act.
- Position yourselves and stand still (v. 17). Or to state it another way: take a stand and don’t run away. In verse 18, we see the people took a stand on their knees. They would not be moved from their trust in God and they “fell down before the Lord to worship Him” (v. 18).
- Watch God at work (v. 17). Too often we flee out of fear and miss the opportunity to see what God is going to do. Sometimes we have to wait and stand firm; lay aside the fear and the discouragement; and stand in our faith until we see what God will do in our lives.
God may answer quickly or we may have to stand firm for a season, but God is with us. “Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you” (v. 17). God’s presence is ample reason to be thankful even in our difficulties.
2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 (HCSB)
29The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that Yahweh had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.
On the morning of the battle, the prayers of the people turned to praise and thanksgiving. And when did they offer thanks? Before the battle even began.
- First, the soldiers under Jehoshaphat heard the praise to God going before them. Praise preceded them into battle to remind them the battle belonged to God.
- Second, the enemy heard praise to the One who stood with Judah.
When we act on our faith in Christ and thank Him—regardless of what we may see at that moment—we experience His presence, power, and peace. That experience only strengthens us for the next time we face a battle.
The secret to a thankful life is trust in Christ.
LIVE IT OUT
How will you live a life of thanksgiving?
- Pray. If thanking God in the middle of a battle is a new or difficult idea for you, begin by praying for God to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. Trust God to reveal Himself as you face the challenge and thank Him.
- Remember. Identify a time when God provided for you in the midst of a harrowing situation. Let that experience be a reminder of God’s power and faithfulness the next time you face adversity.
- Share. Is someone you know facing a difficult time? Pray for them this week; thank God for who He is, what He’s promised, and how He’s provided even in the midst of the storm.
We don’t have to be thankful for every circumstance in order to be thankful in every circumstance. God is all-powerful and He is constantly with us. For these things, we are filled with gratitude.
Teacher's Notes
Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving. And every November we're reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things in our lives.
- It's easy to be thankful when the blessings are obvious and right in front of us.
- It’s a little harder when the road before us is uncertain and we feel like we're facing more challenges than blessings.
- The Bible tells us that we can give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), Why?
- Because we know God is always at work on our behalf.
It's a Wonderful Life
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What kind of problems make people feel like crying or giving up?
- Financial trouble.
- A betrayal by someone you had trusted.
- A loss of a job – fired, position done away with, or laid off.
- Death of a family member.
- A failure of your business.
- A house destroyed by natural disaster (flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.)
- A child in deep trouble with the law.
- The doctor says, “We’ve done everything medically we know to do; we can’t do anything else.”
- Divorce
- Stress of life.
- Bad decisions.
Give thanks in everything? These can be hard words for some of us. Events around the world—and even in our own lives—can cause us to wonder how we can realistically be thankful when life seems so wrong.
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah, the nation also faced difficult times, but they remained thankful. We are going to look today at the challenges they faced and see that, yes, we can be thankful—no matter what.
I. 2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (NIV)
"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. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O 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 upon you."
This is King Jehoshaphat’s prayer for the nation of Judah. In it he says that they feel powerless.
What do we tend to do when we face a situation we can’t fix?
- Give up
- Pray
- Look for other ways to solve the problem.
What did Jehoshaphat do? What was his prayer?
- Lord, here we are … multiple armies are about to attack us
- I’m praying for You to do something
- We have no power to face this vast army.
- We don’t know what to do.
- Our eyes are on you.
Why does Jehoshaphat go back and talk about the history of the Israelites to God in prayer? Surely God already knew all the history with surrounding nations.
- It is an expression of faith “We trusted You before, we want to trust You now”
- It was a form of praise … “Thank You God for guiding us during those years”
- Helped the king remind himself of God’s power and authority – then when we had problems, and now when we have problems.
- He recalled the Lord’s sovereignty and past faithfulness, he remembered that God provides solutions to seemingly hopeless situations.
Why is prayer the proper response to trouble?
- Go to God who has the power and authority to do something about the trouble.
- We realize we’re at the end of our own resources … we know we need help from Someone (God) who does have resources.
- Confess our fear, repent from an attitude of despair.
- Declare our faith in God. Not unlike our initial salvation … confess, repent from sin … declare faith in God for salvation.
When we are weak – God is strong.
When we are incapable – God is fully able.
When we are not able to see a way – God is providing the direction we need.
When we are discouraged – God is providing assurance.
When we are out of resources – God has all the resources we need.
Point: We have God’s power.
We must understand that the place of powerlessness is the place of power...God's power. He can do so much more in, and through you and me as we admit our powerlessness, and seek His face. If you are facing an insurmountable, impossible circumstance today, realize that God is greater than your circumstance. But He will only be greater in your behalf if you turn your attention from your circumstance and seek His face. Believers can expect to face challenges and threats; we are not exempt from the unkindly, ungodly, and ungrateful actions of others. Believers are to turn to God in times of difficulty and seek His help.
II. 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (NIV)
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
What happened to Jahaziel while they stood before the Lord?
- The Spirit of the Lord came upon him. God gave him words to speak.
- God gave answers to Jehoshaphat’s prayer.
We neither have the power to solve every problem nor do we always know what to do, but based on Jahaziel’s words, we can do three things.
1. Put away fear and discouragement (v. 15). They were in Jerusalem, a relatively small city, and three powerful armies were preparing to come against them. It didn’t look good. Have you ever felt like you’re being attacked from different directions? In those moments, we should do as the people of Judah did: set aside our fear, choose to trust, and wait for God to act.
2. Position yourselves and stand still (v. 17). Or to state it another way: take a stand and don’t run away. In verse 18, we see the people took a stand on their knees. They would not be moved from their trust in God and they “fell down before the Lord to worship Him” (v. 18).
3. Watch God at work (v. 17). Too often we flee out of fear and miss the opportunity to see what God is going to do. Sometimes we have to wait and stand firm; lay aside the fear and the discouragement; and stand in our faith until we see what God will do in our lives.
What instructions from the Lord did Jahaziel give the people?
- Put away fear and discouragement.
- Remember the battle is God’s, not yours – you will not have to fight this battle.
- Position yourselves and stand still.
- Watch God at work, see God’s deliverance.
- Be assured, Jehovah (the God Who IS) will be with you.
What does God want us to do when we face problems and threats?
- Same thing … put away fear and discouragement.
- Remember it is God’s battle.
- Trust God and watch Him at work.
- Know that God is with you.
Why is a command like this, both to Jehoshaphat and to us, a hard one to practice?
- Goes against common “wisdom” to “stand still”
- Everyone is saying “we’ve got to do something”
- Inaction seems like exactly the wrong thing to do.
- Trusting God seems like “inaction”
Point: We have God’s presence.
The Lord has a clear word for our times of need, which we are to seek, hear, and heed. The Lord pours out His Spirit upon those whom He calls to deliver His word of truth. The people of God are to be marked by faith, not fear. The Lord can be counted on to intervene and fight on our behalf when challenges come. Whether the Lord calls us to take action or to stand still, we are to declare that He is the source of our strength and victory. We can be assured – no matter the circumstances – that the Lord is present with us.
III. 2 Chronicles 20:20-22, 29-30 (NIV)
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." 22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated…
29 The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.
What were Jehoshaphat’s words of encouragement to the people the morning after the Lord gave them instructions?
- Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld.
- Have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.
What was the battle plan that was given to the people?
- A choir was appointed to sing praises to God at the head of the army.
- They sang the song, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever”.
What happened as the people sang and praised the Lord?
- God set ambushes against the opposing armies.
- They ended up fighting and killing each other. The enemies were totally defeated.
The Power of Praise
Believers oftentimes think of praise as a byproduct of good fortune, but praise is appropriate in any circumstance. Honoring God in the midst of trouble causes the human heart to undergo a dramatic change—from frightened to courageous. We cannot truly claim to understand the power of praise until we have experienced this transformation for ourselves.
The Israelites knew their Protector was in their midst; they trusted He had a plan because praise had reminded them that this was always true of God. Celebrating the Lord bolsters faith. Jehoshaphat’s heart traveled a spectrum from fearful to helpless to courageous (2 Chronicles 20:3, 2 Chronicles 20:12, 2 Chronicles 20:20).
How did the surrounding nations react when they heard the outcome of the battle?
- Fear/awe of God came upon all kingdoms of the countries.
- The news got to all the surrounding countries. They heard how God fought the enemies.
What are the benefits of being a thankful person?
- Thankfulness is closely connected to trust in God.
- Declaring thanks is declaring that God has blessed, delivered, and helped.
- Gets you into the habit of trusting God the next time you face a difficult situation.
How does being a thankful person advance your witness for Christ?
- Shows others in whom you are trusting.
- A witness to others that God is at work.
- Declares to others God’s power, authority, and love.
Point: We have God’s victory and peace.
Faith in the Lord leads to victory. The faithful praise we give to the Lord releases His power and sets the stage for victory over our circumstances. God may work in some unusual ways to achieve His purpose. Our testimony concerning the powerful work of God can have a mighty effect on those around us. God’s peace is given to us in the midst of difficulty and remains with us after we claim His victory.
Conclusion: Giving thanks should not be limited to a day of the year; nor should our thankfulness be only a word that comes from our lips. It’s an attitude that comes from our hearts. The Lord intervened personally and miraculously for the Israelites. He will do the same for us. The next time we face a troubling situation, choose praise instead of self-pity. God will release His power in our life, giving us courage and filling our heart with joy.
God will fight your battles for you if you will simply acknowledge that you desperately need Him.
His power flows through our powerlessness. Jesus put it this way. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." When Jesus spoke this to Paul, he confidently stated "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Corinthians 12: 9)
God's mighty strength and power are found in our own powerlessness.
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB) Note that Paul says we are to give thanks "in" everything. He does not say we are to give thanks "for" everything. He means that however bad our current circumstances may be, we are still to give thanks in them. We are not necessarily giving thanks for the ordeal, or for our suffering. The point is that even in those adverse circumstances we should still look for things to be thankful for, such as our children, health, family, job, home etc.
This puts the difficulty into proper context. We then realize that it is vastly outnumbered by the many blessings we also have. We still have much to be thankful for, however bad things may get. It is giving thanks in those painful situations that touch God's heart the most. That fact alone makes it worthwhile. However, it will also alter the way we see our situation and especially the way we react to it. Sometimes giving thanks requires an effort of the will and can be a sacrifice
God is very realistic. He is well aware that at certain times, when we face tests and ordeals, it is difficult to give thanks. At such times to go ahead and give thanks anyway, despite not feeling like doing so, is a kind of sacrifice. It is something that you do as a decision of your will, from obedience rather than spontaneously. God values it very highly when we offer thanksgiving in that manner.
Therefore, try to develop the habit of giving thanks daily, every time you pray. Let it become a natural and permanent fixture in your prayer life, regardless of how you feel. Indeed, if anything, it is particularly at difficult times that you most need to give thanks. Firstly it pleases God, but secondly it also helps you to refocus your thinking onto God, and on to all that He does for you, rather than dwelling on whatever your current problem is. That’s a good habit to have and will help you, in more challenging times, not to neglect to give thanks.
Thank you for your prayers, emails and words of wisdom today!
We love you all,
David & Susan
