This series is dedicated to transforming your perspective on life's inevitable trials, tests and adversities. In the introduction (please click here to read it), we established that such adversities were a fact of life but we have God's assurance that everything we face will workout eventually for our own benefit. More to the point God delights in turning the table on the devil and having the last laugh.

To verify this, we have been going through the bible to highlight examples of God's people who have come through negative circumstances and in hindsight turned out to be better off (Click here to read part 4). The bible assures us that "...God treats all people alike."(Acts 10:34 CEV) and since "Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 CEV), it is my prayer that you will take comfort from their experiences and expect the same kind of results. Maybe you might even laugh with Him in anticipation of the expected end.

Enjoy

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In this installment we look at Jehoshaphat, who was one of the few God fearing kings of Israel. Amidst relative peace, he received news of an impending attack by a cohort of three allied nations. There was no denying that he was outnumbered, his helplessness drove him to seek God for direction. What God told him to do next was nothing short of extraordinary. He was to go into battle fronted by praises with a promise that they would not have to fight, as the Lord said through his prophets, "the battle is the Lord, not yours". I do wonder how much faith it took Jehoshaphat to obey. True to His word, God caused the enemy to self-destruct and waiting for Jehoshaphat, was spoil that took them three days to collect. Not a bad payday for a battle you did not fight.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat

Encamped around by a great Host

Outnumbered three nations to one

His fear drove Him to seek the Lord

"This battle is mine, not yours" the Lord declared

"Send out the praisers in front", His instructions

The devil must have laughed to see such a sight

"What kind of fools are these, going to battle with instruments and voice"

Laughter soon muted by an ambush of confusion

Allies turned enemies utterly destroyed each other

While Israel looked on without the need to raise a sword

Save the praisers in fine voice, declaring the Lord’s goodness

Three days have passed as the last of the spoil is gathered

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1. "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG)

2. "Merciless people make plots against good people and snarl like animals, but the Lord laughs and knows their time is coming soon." (Psalms 37:12-13 CEV)

3. "From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans." (Psalms 2:4 GNB)

To be continued..

Every Blessing

Breadoflife

Click here to read part 6

To view others instalments in the series, click here