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The lead Scripture for today is found in 2 Chronicles 20:17 and the LORD said to His people;

'You will not need to fight in this battle.

Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!'

Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.

I believe it is a blessing to recognize and have the re assurance that the LORD is with you both when times are good and when they are bad.

The above Scripture is an extract from the story of King Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah who was fasting and praying for God's intervention when the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir wanted to invade them out of the land that God had given them as an inheritance. You would imagine because God gave them this land as an inheritance, no enemy would dare to attack His people. I consider the signs and wonders that followed God's people under the leadership of Moses for example, God rescued them from the mistreatment of Pharaoh and He provided food from heaven while the Israelites were in the wilderness on the way to the promised land and many other wonders. However, if the enemy had the audacity to attack God's people whose past generations experienced God's mercy and miracles, then no one is safe.

When times are challenging, who do you turn to? When times are good, who do you turn to? For King Jehoshaphat, it was God and surely the people of Judah and Jerusalem obtained victory for the Lord was on their side. In John 10:10 AMP, Jesus reminds us that "the thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]." The very essence of Jesus is abundant and ever lasting life. Jesus is an ever present help who is well able to take care of very circumstance in our lives if we are willing to let Him in.

Today's lead Word demonstrates that battles and enemy attacks in this world are inevitable. At the same time, it also shows us that it is important that we still have the faith to show up for the battle because only then will God be able to do what He alone can accomplish. If the people of Judah and Jerusalem never showed up to the battle field to stand still as the LORD had instructed them, I doubt we would be reading about God's glory during King Jehoshaphat's reign.

The choice to conquer fear by showing up with complete trust in God to face that tough situation in your life with the strength and wisdom that only He supplies is victory step 1. As a believer, every victory belongs to the LORD which makes the battle more about Him than you for it is all for His glory. God is a faithful ally, He will never leave nor forsake you especially to complete what He started in your life when you believe. In King Jehoshaphat's story, it was to protect the inheritance that He had given His people. Friend, actively show up with expectation by seeking and pursuing God until that situation reflects the joy and abundant life that Jesus came to give you. The Bible tell us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

I will end with this Word of instruction in Ephesians 6:13 AMP

"13.Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

14. So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST AND HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart),

15.and having strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].

16.Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17.And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

AMEN