My Battle is Not Mine

Every new year, people set resolutions and a word or phrase for the year. For most people that might last through January, but more than likely not. This year my phrase is “The battle is the Lord’s,” and it is a phrase I have kept all year so far. 

Sitting at Mercedes Benz in Atlanta during Passion 2020 at the turn of the year worshiping the Lord, I heard this phrase. Passion Music was leading worship and Melodie Malone was singing “It is Finished/Surrounded” and started speaking an encouragement during the song. She cited 2 Chronicles stating that “the battle is the Lord’s. “

When I got home that night I immediately found the exact reference which is 2 Chronicles 20:15. For context the Moabites and Ammonites waged war against Jehoshaphat and Judah. Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord and the Lord responded through one of the people there with this 

¹⁵“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. ¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

Okay wow! What? God had them protected cause it was not their battle to endure. Because of the great faith they had, the Lord allowed them to have victory through his deliverance.

In this crazy time that 2020 is God gave me peace of mind from the beginning with this phrase. I may not have known what was coming in this year but because I have put all of my faith in Him he prepared me for the battle that 2020 is and he sees the victory that will be on the other side. God has been telling me all year that He is in control, He has already won, and He will bring about victory. Whether I am facing Covid restrictions, online classes, all the 11:59pm deadlines, weather threats, or anything else that is not in my control, He is with me fighting the battle for victory.

Phil Wickham recently came out with a new song called “Battle Belongs.” I’ve linked the song below, but he starts the song with these lyrics: “When all I see is the battle, You see my victory.” Its a confession to God that all my human eyes can see is the battle but that God you see the victory and triumph that will come with you by our side.

Remember that whatever trial or difficulty you are going through, God will bring you through it. He has put you there to grow. Give Him time to fight.