Trifecta

 Have you ever felt like multiple parts of your life were being threatened? Like battles were being waged in your home and professional life? Maybe your physical and mental health too? How about your social relationships? Or even your finances?

I have heard this over and over in the last few years; from people that I have prayed with at church and in the community while doing outreach events. I’ve personally experienced it. It seems like the pattern is that these threats and battles come in threes. I regretfully call it the “trifecta”.

So how well do you handle threats and battles? Think about that….and in the meantime, let’s talk about my favorite king in the Old Testament, King Jehoshaphat. He is one of the best biblical examples of how to handle the “trifecta”. He was faced with some troubling news in 2 Chronicles 20. This whole chapter is  FULL of life-changing advice on how to handle multiple threats and battles.

Verses 1 and 2 begin with the news that a large war was coming for King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Three tribes of people were waging battle on them to be exact: the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. 

How did King Jehoshaphat deal with this?  I summed up his actions in verses 3-24 below:

1.      Inquire of and seek the Lord first when the threats of battle come.

When hearing of the trifecta threat, verse 3(NIV) says “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”  The king showed human emotion—and we need to remember that it’s ok to do that! God created us with the ability to feel. The important thing is how we respond after the emotion is felt. The king felt alarmed at the news, but his response was to go before the Lord and seek Him through fasting. Verse 4 continues on to say that “The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” 

2.      Admit total weakness. Acknowledge ignorance with the wisdom of fixing your eyes on Him.

After the people of Judah gathered at the temple, King Jehoshaphat began to speak a prayerful word to the Lord in verses 6-12. He speaks of the greatness of the Lord and all that He has brought them through. But in verse 12, he admits total weakness. The king said that they “have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.”  He also acknowledges their ignorance as he states in the latter part of the verse, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

3.      Listen to what God is instructing you to do. Then praise Him for what Has said.

When the Lord spoke and gave instruction(through Jahaziel) in verses 15-17, the king and the people of Judah and Jerusalem listened. And then they praised God for what He said. Verse 18 says, “Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord.”

4.      When the day of battle comes, remember to have faith and proceed with worship first.

On the morning of the day of battle, King Jehoshaphat reminded the people to have faith! Then he sent the worshippers out ahead of the army. (verse 21 They were declaring the splendor and holiness of the Lord; “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

5.      Our obedience in letting the Lord fight our battles results in VICTORY.

King Jehoshaphat and the people stood firm in obedience in the position that the Lord gave them in the battle. The position of God fighting the battle for them. As they sang and approached the place where the vast army was, they saw nothing more than casualties! The victory was theirs because they gave ownership of the battle to God!

So…..back to you. Yes, you all who are reading this today!

How do you handle the “trifectas” in your life? After an honest assessment, how do you compare to my favorite Old Testament king? How many battles have you fought that were NOT yours?  What do you need to do to change your approach to the threats and battles in your life?

I know—I have asked you all some tough questions in order for you to examine yourselves. But I’m also praying for each one of you as you answer them.

Eyes on Him,

Lindsey Parks