Key scripture – “Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” that is, En Gedi. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:2-3).

Have you ever received really bad news? It was so bad that when you heard it you felt a burning in the pit of your stomach and you immediately went into a crisis mode.

This was the situation for King Jehoshaphat. He had just been informed that his country was going to be attacked by an army much larger than his. However, instead of panicking, he immediately turned to the Lord by calling for a time of fasting and prayer. The people from every town in Judah responded.
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

King Jehoshaphat prayed and reminded God of His promise to Israel. Then he asked God for a strategy. “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.” (2 Chronicles 20:12). At the end of his prayer it says they waited on God’s answer. It came through the prophet, Jahaziel son of Zechariah. 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'” (2 Chronicles 20:15-16).

God supernaturally wiped out their enemies that day. They didn’t even have to fight. God caused the enemy to fight themselves. However, the one thing they did do that started the ambush on their enemies was when they began to praise God on the battlefield. “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.” (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

Jehoshaphat immediately did four things in response to bad news. He called for prayer, he called for fasting, he asked for God’s strategy, and he began his battle by praising God in the midst of the battle.

If you’ve just gotten some bad news, follow the example of Jehoshaphat: Pray. Fast. Ask. Praise.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what to do when I receive bad news. I will do what Jehoshaphat did: pray, fast, ask, and praise You. I will not fret and panic because it only leads to evil. You have promised us that the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.(Psalm 37:9). I am so grateful that I have You to protect me and to take care of me no matter what is going on in my life. I will wait patiently for You and follow Your direction in my life and what You have commanded me to do, which is to be strong and courageous, and not be terrified or intimidated, for You, The Lord my God, are always with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:9). You are Yahweh Nissi, my Banner. No matter what my uncertainties are, what I am facing, what I am perplexed about with regard to the future, I will remember, the Lord is my Banner, He is over me. All that I need, all that I long for, all that I seek to see in my life, God is the one Who is over my life and He is ensuring me that He will provide those things in my life for His glory. They will be a reality. He is my victory, I will not be destroyed. You are my Father in Heaven, You are Yahweh Nissi, You are there protecting me, You are my victory. Let it be done for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.