He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)
In this entire chapter we read of the testimony of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. They brought him bad news that a vast army had come to attack him. Terrified by the report he and all the people of his kingdom turned to the Lord in prayer.
The Lord answered them “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” verse 15.
In verse 17 the Lord told them they will not even need to fight but rather take their positions, stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He told them He was with them. They should not be afraid or discouraged, instead go out against the enemy, for the Lord was with them.
In verses 21and 22 the only thing Jehoshaphat and his army did as they went out against the enemy was to sing praises to the Lord, thanking Him for his endless love.
God supernaturally destroyed the enemy. Jehoshaphat and his army did not fight, they only showed up at the battle scene to gather the spoils of war!
You’re God’s idea, his imagination, his project, his own possession. In 1John 4:4 He makes it clear that you’re of God, you belong to him. The literal Hebrew meaning of the last part of Zechariah 2:8 says whoever touches you touches the pupil of Jehovah’s eye. The Message translation of the same verse says that anyone who hits you, hits God, bloodies his nose, blackens his eye! If it concerns you, it’s all personal with God. Whatever happens to you happens to him. You’re God’s business.
It follows therefore that even your battles are not your own but the sole responsibility of God. You don’t fight for and by yourself, God fights for you.
When David ran forward to fight the giant Goliath, he told him you have not challenged me but the Lord of hosts and I’m coming against you in his name. In other words, David saw the battle or challenge he faced as not his but rather God’s. That’s what brought him the victory.
Whatever challenge you’re facing, the battle isn’t yours. In other words, the “how” of overcoming or going through it isn’t in your own wisdom or might but God’s.
Relax, do not fear, do not give up. Trust in the Lord as you confess him as your strength, help, wisdom.
Like Jehoshaphat did, praise and give thanks to the Lord for his love, mercy, and goodness to you. You will surely witness the victory!