2 Chronicles 20:17

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

DAILY READING –1 Corinthians 9; 2 Kings 1-2; Amos 7

In the first half of the sixteenth century, the Ottoman Empire was thought to be invincible. Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman sultan, had expanded his empire from western Asia to southeastern Europe and North Africa. To secure control of the Mediterranean between these territories and launch an offensive into Western Europe, Suleiman needed the small but strategically crucial island of Malta. But Suleiman’s attempt to take the island from the Holy Roman Empire’s Knights of St. John would emerge as one of the most famous and brutal military defeats in history.

In 1565, seventy thousand Ottomans attempted to seize the Mediterranean island from 3,500 Christian troops led by about 500 Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem [later called the Knights of Malta]. Despite being very grossly outnumbered, the Christian defenders held out for almost four months, despite 50 percent casualties. And just when it seemed all hope was lost for the Christians, help suddenly arrived. On September 11, a long-belated relief force from the Continent reached the battle to assist the Christians and inflicted a final great slaughter on the Ottomans, whose survivors fled by sea. This battle is the subject of one of the greatest history books ever written, titled ‘The Great Siege 1565’ by Ernle Bradford.

Indeed God can raise help for you when you least expect it. When God arises for your help, no matter how great your enemies may appear, your victory will be assured. This world is a battle field, without divine help men suffer defeat, humiliation and shame, but through divine help battles are cheaply won.

Deuteronomy 28:7 says ‘The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.’

Indeed, when God arises for you, all your enemies will be scattered. Do not limit how God can fight for you. Just stay in God’s will and He will take care of the oppositions against you. In 2 Chronicles 20, a great army came against King Jehoshaphat. He was greatly outnumbered and did not know what to do. But when he turned to the Lord, God made the enemies to fight against each other, until they were all destroyed.

Therefore do not be intimidated if it seems as if you are facing an impossible situation. Always remember that there is God in Heaven who rules in the affairs of men. He is the God of sudden visitations, who can suddenly intervene when it seems all hope is lost. He is the God of divine surprises who can do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ever think or imagine. Today He is going to arise for you!

And one key way to engage God to fight for us is through praise. From scriptures we know that praise is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons that provoke the acts of God. Just like Jehoshaphat did in 2 Chronicles 20, when you also begin to sing and praise God, He sets ambushment against your enemies. Praise is what triggers the intervention of the Omnipotent God. Praise is God’s hotline anytime! Praise attracts God’s presence.

Psalm 22:3 says ‘But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.’

Indeed God inhabits the praises of His people. When you live a praiseful life, God’s presence abides with you; and when He abides with you, He compels signs to attend to you. It is therefore time to hand over the battle to God. Today as you praise God, He will arise in your favour, and give you the victory in every battle in Jesus name. .

PRAYER; Lord, Please help me to hand over my battles to You through maintaining a praise-full lifestyle. In every situation please grant me the grace to always find a reason to praise You. Thank You Lord for causing me to triumph always in Jesus name. .

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The battle you are faced with today is a good warfare because God has already foreordained victorious end for you.