THE POWER OF PRAISE

by Maggie A. Escoto


A Warfare of the Unusual Kind

Who ever heard of a bunch of musicians and singers lead an army? If you read 2Chronicals 20, that is exactly what happened.

There were three kingdoms that had made alliance with each other to come against Judah. King Jehoshaphat received word of this plan of attack and knowing that his army was no match for theirs immediately turned to God for help. Jehoshaphat announced throughout the land a time of prayer and fasting and the people poured into the capital to take part in it.

Then in the midst of all the people while praying, the Spirit of the Lord came upon the son of Zachariah, Jahaziel, who prophesied and 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. 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. 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.' "

The next morning as they prepared for battle Jehoshaphat consulted some people and it was decided that there would be singers and musicians leading the troops into position. It was a step of faith which declared that they believed that God would keep His promise to them and fight the battle. Never was an army so defeated as that of the enemy. When the men of Judah arrived at their position, the only view was that of dead bodies. And not only was the enemy already defeated when they got there, but God blessed Jehosphathat’s army with all of their valuables. There was so much they could not carry them all alway!

What a powerful testimony to the power of praise, faith and prayer. In all threats or trials, public or personal, our first order of business should be to seek help from God. If we believe the word God has given us, with praise and thanksgiving in faith that you have won the victory, then He too will help us come up against the attacks that are formed against us and be able to proclaim triumph over them and be blessed in addition.