Some problems feel really big, like a hard test, a fight on the playground, or a scary storm at night. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? King Jehoshaphat faced a huge problem, and his story shows us the best first step: pray.
Three Armies, One King
One day, King Jehoshaphat got terrible news. Three enemy armies were marching toward his kingdom at the same time! Jehoshaphat was afraid, but instead of panicking, he gathered everyone together to pray.
2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will you not judge them? 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 on you.
Jehoshaphat admitted he didn’t have the answer. But he knew who did.
The Battle Belongs to God
God answered right away through one of his messengers.
2 Chronicles 20:15 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.’”
The next morning, Jehoshaphat sent singers to the front of his army to praise God. As they sang, God confused the enemy armies, and they fought each other instead (2 Chronicles 20:22). God’s people won without even swinging a sword!
Pray First
You can bring your big problems to God too. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Here’s a simple way to pray:
- Praise God for who he is.
- Pray for others who need help.
- Ask God for what you need.
The Takeaway
When you face a big problem, pray first, because the battle belongs to God. This week, use the three steps: praise God, pray for others, and then ask God for what you need.
