Life can be tough! At times it seems that you are battling life alone. Just when you think your struggle is almost over you find out about another life issue that challenges you. You hope God is paying attention to your plight but it seems His deliverance is being delayed. If you've been a Christian for any period of time you know this feeling all too well.

Yes, it seems that being a Christian does not make us immune to struggle, pain, and discouragement. In fact, at times it feels like the opposite is true. The closer you get to Jesus the more Satan hates you. Well, there is good news for you. This topic is all about achieving victory over life's battles. Let's take a deeper dive!

In the Bible, there's an interesting story found in 2 Chronicles, chapter 20. In that story, you will find 4 keys to winning spiritual battles. Let's face it - when life's struggles test you, what is really being tested is your faith! That is what it boils down to - your faith. Do you really believe that God is on your side? Do you believe He will come to your rescue? Is He even paying attention to you? Well, I'm about to tell you something that might sound totally ridiculous but it's the truth. This ain't your battle!

In today's story, we read about a king that was living a nightmare. His name was Jehoshaphat. He was in quite a predicament. You see, he had just been informed that a large army from three different nations had amassed and they were coming to make war against him. To make matters worse, Jehoshaphat was alone because he didn't have any allies to come to his defense. Upon hearing the news, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord. In fact, all the people of the nation came together to inquire of the Lord. The king assembled the people at Jerusalem and he prayed to the Lord. In his prayer he said, "O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? ... If calamity comes upon us ... we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us."

After this prayer, we read that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Jahaziel. The prophet said to the king, "this is what the Lord says, do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's... You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them and the Lord will be with you."

Upon hearing this, the king and all the people bowed their faces to the ground and began worshipping and praising the Lord. The very next day the king gathered his men to go and face the invading army. But here is where something very odd happens. Most kings going to war would place their archers, or their infantrymen at the front to lead the charge. But King Jehoshaphat didn't do that. No, instead he called for men that could sing and he placed them at the front of the battle lines! Yes, the man called up his choir!!! You have got to be kidding me!

Well, as it turns out, as soon as the men began to sing and praise the Lord mayhem came upon the invading army to the point that in their confusion they ended up killing and attacking each other. When Jehoshaphat's army finally reached the battle site they found nothing but dead bodies strewn all over the place. They plundered the dead army and returned to Jerusalem joyfully because the Lord had given them cause to rejoice. They went back to the temple and rejoiced with harps, lutes, and trumpets.

By now you may be asking what this story has to do with 4 keys to winning spiritual battles. Well, let's take a closer look at how Jehoshaphat got his victory.

Key #1 - When Jehoshaphat received the bad news he immediately resolved to inquire of the Lord. What do you do when you receive bad news? Is your first thought to pray to God or to fret about your circumstance? This is a tough one because sometimes the news we receive is very, very bad. Here is where we can learn from Jehoshaphat. When calamity breaks out against us let us immediately inquire of the Lord. This should be your first step!

Key #2 - When Jehoshaphat prayed to God he immediately brought up the victories God had given them in the past. This is very important. Why? Because when you bring up the victories God has given you it helps to remind you of how He has delivered you before and how He will deliver you again. These past victories are proof that He is paying attention. Yes, you can count on Him for more victories in your life. Remember how He told Jehoshaphat not to be afraid or discouraged. That is what He is telling you today. And there's a good reason why He is telling you this. He wants you to know that the battle is not yours but His. Yes, the battle belongs to the Lord!

Key #3 - Jehoshaphat was told to march down against his enemy and to take up his position and stand firm. This is interesting. God does not want you to ignore the threat or the bad situation. Rather He wants you to take up your position and stand firm. You must face the trouble and not pretend it is not there or that it will go away on its own. No, instead you are to acknowledge the situation and, in faith, realize that the Lord will be with you! You must embrace His presence and believe that you are not alone. When God says He will be with you - He will be with you!!!

Key #4 - Instead of placing fighting men in the front line of battle, Jehoshaphat places singing men. Yes, at first this does not make sense. But maybe there is something we can learn from this strange move. Instead of trying to face your enemy with your own strength try praising and singing in the midst of your trial. The Bible says that, "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel." (Psalms 22:3). When you praise Him He is there! Sing to Him in the middle of your pain - even if you don't really feel like singing. Sing anyway, as best you can, that you too may "see the deliverance of the Lord." I have tried this myself. During a very difficult period in my life I sang to God and waited for His deliverance. It took 3 years before I saw that deliverance. But I saw that deliverance! He delivered the victory in His time - not in the time I was expecting it, but in the time when I needed it! Sing, my friend. Notice that in the story the Lord began to act as soon as they began to sing. It may not take three years for you. It may be a much shorter or a much longer time. But be assured of this, He hears your song. He is paying attention. "He knows everything on earth, he sees everything under heaven." Job 28:24.

Until next time my fellow pilgrims!