“And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's”’” (2 Chronicles 20:15, ESV).
Rain tears across the pavement, batters the windows, and distorts the view as I push myself into the morning. I’m reminded of the physical, mental, and emotional strain I’m sludging through, my heart constantly heavy from the burden I bear. It all feels insurmountable, impenetrable. The thorn in my side doesn’t dislodge. I am weary and worn out, my faith on the brink of collapse.
But the sun streaks suddenly through the sky, pushing back the rain clouds that give way to rays of light. Nothing about my circumstances shifts in this moment, but a steady knowing grows in me: My God sees and understands, and He has not left me to flounder through life on my own. The Lord is fighting for me. He hears His daughter's cry and is at work.
Sometimes the pain of this world or our own personal suffering can fill us with a fear we never thought possible. It feels like the enemy of our souls is charging toward us and there is no stopping the advance.
We see the Israelites in a similar position in 2 Chronicles 20. A mountain of enemy armies descended around King Jehoshaphat and his people. They were likely fearful and alarmed.
King Jehoshaphat prayed, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, ESV).
The Israelites stood and waited, placing their lives and hope in the Lord in an act of great dependence. They had nowhere to turn but to God.
The Lord responded with compassion and authority:
“Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
The battle is the Lord’s. He still tells us to turn and face our hardship, but then we watch for our deliverance, fastening our faith to the God who makes good on His promises. He promises to be with us when we face our battles. He promises to fight for us when we turn our hearts to Him and seek His voice, pour out our helplessness to Him, and let Him move against our enemies.
Today I will take hold of what I cannot yet see. By faith, I stand and face the turmoil, believing the Lord goes before me and He makes a way.
Whatever your struggle is, lay it before the Lord. Have faith in Him. Give thanks and keep a posture of humility and gratitude, even before you see any changes. He is faithful, and His deliverance will come.
He is always at work.
Father, I’m cornered, overwhelmed, and fearful. But You are my God who sees me and responds because You love me. Would You come to my rescue today? You’re the only One who can fight this battle, and You are strong. I’m so glad You go before me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we hear stories every day from women whose lives have been changed by God’s Word. Women who have found hope in difficult seasons. Women who have discovered a deeper relationship with Christ. Women who have learned that no matter what they’ve faced, God has never turned away from them. Your support helps make stories like these possible. When you give today, you’ll help more women encounter biblical encouragement through resources designed to meet them where they are and draw them closer to God. As our thanks, we’ll send you our upcoming First 5 study, 1 & 2 Chronicles: Turning to the King Who Never Turns Away. Together, we can help more women experience the peace, stability, and confidence that come from knowing the God who is always faithful and always present. Give today and help women connect with God through His Word.
You can find more biblical encouragement and a gentle walk through the wilderness with Sarah at her website, on Instagram, and in her book All the Hard Things: 50 Days Through the Valley.
Isaiah 41:13, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’” (ESV).
What have you been fearful of? Where is God holding your hand and helping you in the midst of it?
Make a list of all the ways God has helped you in impossible situations in the past. Then ask Him to add your current situation to the list, and trust that He is indeed your help.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Sarah Freymuth. All rights reserved.
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