Trusting God in Battle: Do Not Be Afraid or Dismayed

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)

Trusting God in Battle: Do Not Be Afraid or Dismayed

Congratulations on pausing to engage with God’s Word today! By diving into 2 Chronicles 20:15, you are seeking His guidance, protection, and victory in every challenge you face. This powerful verse reminds us to shift our battles into God’s hands and to stand firm in faith, knowing He fights for us. Let this truth anchor your heart and give you courage for whatever comes your way.

Read

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s." 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)

The book of 2 Chronicles recounts the spiritual journey and leadership of Judah’s kings, focusing on their relationship with God and the nation’s destiny. Chapter 20 centers on King Jehoshaphat, who is facing a dire threat—an alliance of enemy armies marching against Judah. Instead of panicking, Jehoshaphat seeks the Lord through prayer and fasting. In response, God sends a prophetic message of encouragement and deliverance through Jahaziel. This verse is a rallying cry to trust in God’s sovereign power, not human strength, in life’s fiercest battles.

Examine

2 Chronicles 20:15 reassures us that while we will face intimidating challenges, we are not alone—God is the one who fights for us. The verse encourages complete surrender of fear and anxiety, trusting that God’s strength, not our own, secures the victory. It models a deep faith in God’s ability to handle what feels too big for us.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus echoed this promise throughout His ministry: “Do not be afraid” (John 14:27). On the cross, He fought and won our greatest battles against sin and death. By trusting Him, we follow His example of courageous surrender, knowing our lives are held in God’s hands. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden, trusting the Father’s plan, we are invited to release our struggles to the One who loves and protects us.

Main Themes:
-Trust: Surrendering control and believing God is greater than our circumstances.
- Divine Victory: Recognizing that victory comes from God’s power, not our efforts.
- Courage: Stepping forward in faith, refusing fear or discouragement, even in overwhelming situations.

Key Word Study:
- “Afraid” (Hebrew: yare’)—to fear, revere, or be in awe of. Here, God commands His people not to let fear rule or paralyze them.
- “Battle” (Hebrew: milchamah)—war, struggle, or conflict. The message? Even the fiercest struggles belong to the Lord, not just literal wars but every form of battle in life.

Apply

Reflective Questions:
- Where am I facing a battle that feels overwhelming or out of my control?
- What specific fear or worry do I need to surrender to God today?
- How can trusting that “the battle is God’s” change the way I respond to challenges this week?

Real-Life Application:
- Release Your Battles: Write down one situation where you feel stressed or under attack. Pray over it and consciously hand it to God, choosing to trust His outcome.
- Act with Courage: Take a step forward today even if you feel anxious whether it’s making a call, having a tough conversation, or facing a task at work. Remind yourself, “The battle is not mine, but God’s.”
- Worship Instead of Worry: Like Jehoshaphat, gather your thoughts and praise God for His faithfulness. Sing or listen to a worship song, shifting your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver.

Real Life Story: Imagine someone worried about an upcoming medical diagnosis. Instead of spiraling into anxiety, they pray, invite friends to intercede, and choose to rest in God’s promises, noticing a wave of peace even before results come in.

Pray

Dear Father God, Thank You for promising to fight my battles and for reminding me not to be afraid or discouraged. Forgive me for the times I let fear or doubt take over instead of trusting You. I release my worries, big and small, into Your loving hands. Please give me courage and faith to face today, knowing the battle belongs to You. Holy Spirit, empower me to follow Jesus’s example of fearless trust, and help me bring my struggles to You in prayer. Let Your victory and peace rule my heart. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Closing Reflection: Picture standing in front of a massive wall, only to see God Himself step forward as your champion, shielding you with His strength and love. You’re not alone on the battlefield—His power surrounds you, securing your victory before the first blow is struck.

Call to Action: Today, choose one battle you’ve been fighting alone and hand it over to God in prayer. Let His promise of victory fill you with new confidence, and walk forward knowing that, whatever you face, you do so with the King of Kings by your side.