Today, I will briefly discus how King Jehoshaphat in the bible handled fear; how he turned to God and looked away from the danger that he and his people faced. And with God, his faith triumphed over his fears.

His story had a very happy ending. It is found in the book of II Chronicle chapter twenty, written in the bible for your sake, so you too, can learn to trust God, and be equally blessed. God is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, and AND FOREVER.

When his nation was faced with the danger of invasion by nations with vast army against whom King Jehoshaphat had no power to fight, he turned to God. Thus, he acknowledged that only God could deliver him. He got serious with God by going without food for a designated time to seek his will and help. He got his subjects to join him in the fast, showed penitence and together, they prayed committing the situation to God. He eminently and exclusively relied on God for direction.  Since he had had a relationship with God, he knew what God had said in his word that his people should do when they had problems. Thus, in prayer, he reminded God of his words concerning them, accounting that he would be truthful to his words and his strengthen much mightier than the vastness of his enemies’ army.

God honored Jehoshaphat’s faith in him. While, Jehoshaphat and his people were in God’s presence, God encouraged him spoke through his prophet and assured him of victory. God told Jehoshaphat that he would not need to fight that battle, because God himself would fight for him, and he did. All Jehoshaphat was asked to do was to take a position so he could witness the mighty power of God in action.

True to God’s word, Jehoshaphat did not fight the war. His enemies ended up killing each other and living their articles, clothing and equipment of value for Jehoshaphat and his people to plunder. They profited from the annihilation of their enemies. What are the lessons in this story for you?

You do not need big faith to triumph over the fears in your life. Jesus Christ said if your faith were as small as the seed of the mustard, with it you could move mountains.

As a leader, can you remember the last time you prayed when you had to make a decision? Remember, you are leading for God, and he holds you accountable for the authority you exercise. Therefore, you should consult God before you decide on anything; particularly decisions with lasting effect on the people you lead or serve. Fasting still can be helpful today as you seek the will of God in any situation.

When you have a burden, do not despair. Remember that God loves you and wants to help you if you invite him. Thus, you do not need to bear the burden alone. God is greater than all the problems of this world put together. And there is no limit to his power. Therefore, do not react to the problem with timidity or in deluded fear. With boldness, run to God in prayer and faithfully state your case to him. He is your father and he knows how to solve the problem, no matter how little or huge. He is a mighty Fortress for his children, as King David had said: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” With faith in God, you can and will triumph over your fears and witness the victory of the LORD in your life this year and always.