The Prayer that Defeated an Army of One Million Soldiers

The Prayer that Defeated an Army of One Million Soldiers Today’s Devotional November 6, 2023

“Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God…He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.” —2 Chronicles 14:2,4

Staying Prepared Even in Times of Peace: “And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.” —2 Chronicles 14:8

The Test of Faith: “Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.” —2 Chronicles 14:9-10

The Prayer of Faith: “And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, ‘Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!’ ” —2 Chronicles 14:11

God’s Completion: “So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled…So the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the Lord and His army…” —2 Chronicles 14:12-13

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine…” —Exodus 19:5

As Christian believers, we must fulfill the spiritual conditions of participation in our relationship with Christ—possess steadfast faith, seek the will of God every day, and respond with obedience. When we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, it is not burdensome to surrender in obedience to His Supreme Authority.

“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear” —Isaiah 65:24.

Have you ever conversed with one of the older members in your church who is always smiling, praying, and praising the Lord? They are never bewildered, anxious, or discouraged by the hardships of life, nor are they attempting to analyze and develop solutions to ease the difficulties caused by their trials and tribulations.

Saints who have lived long lives have learned to place all of their trust in God. They even pray differently, “God, You know about this situation, I am asking for Your help, and I thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” When praying to God for help, a single prayer of faith is sufficient.

My beautiful 90-year-old Mother recently expressed this to me, “We do not have to beg God. Ask in faith for God’s Divine Intervention and then pray prayers of gratitude. Thank God every day for the victory even before you experience relief or see changes in the situation.”

Using blind faith we rely on God to bring victory even when the waiting period is lengthy. During the delay, God is working, yet, His objective is to increase our dependency on Him.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16

Like young children who trust their parents with their lives, the righteous are to depend on the faithfulness of God. When we strive to do what is good and right in the sight of God, we receive His favor. Faith does not shorten the duration of our tribulations, yet, we have continuous peace until God brings completion. Instead of lamenting over the darkness in the valley, our eyes are focused on the glimmering light that grows brighter with each passing day.

With joyful expectation, we have the assurance that God’s promises of deliverance will come to fruition. Surrendering oneself to God in faithful obedience is our daily sacrificial offering. What else can we give? Obedience is our highest form of worship. Obedience proclaims that Jesus is our First Love and places us in right standing with God, the Father. God honors those who obey Him by opening the windows of heaven and pouring out blessing upon blessing.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” —Isaiah 43:2-3

Amid the insurmountable obstacles, we can possess a sweet inner peace as we patiently wait on the Lord. Our steadfast faith diverts our attention from our hardships to Yahweh Yir’eh [the God who sees and the God who provides]. Because our hearts are frail, in times of trials and tribulations, God reminds us of His Sovereign Omnipotence, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

“You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” —Psalm 54:7

We do not fear the tribulations or the strongholds of spiritual warfare that render us helpless to resolve. God desires that we see Him as our only option. We have the confidence that our God will deliver us. As the Holy Spirit carries our prayers of unwavering faith to King Jesus, our Heavenly Intercessor, we sing praises of thanksgiving because we know that it’s already done.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” —Psalm 20:7, NIV