Stand and See the Salvation of the Lord

“‘You need not fight in this battle; Station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NASB).

The winter of 2026 will be starring in the weather books under the snow and ice storms tab. Weather stations issued warnings about the impending storms a week in advance, characterizing the event as one of historical proportions. The fear of the impending snow and ice, along with their predicted devastation, spurred everyone to prepare arduously for the unknown.

Dozens of states simultaneously experienced crowded grocery stores buzzing with people stocking up on water and provisions. Wood stacked high next to fireplaces, and piles of fresh batteries rested close to flashlights and radios for possible power outages. Doors and windows shuttered tightly while water faucets dripped like military drums. Everyone fully braced themselves and prayed for God’s protection against what was to come.

Texas Tornadoes

Just knowing that something terrible is coming is emotionally difficult. When my daughters were young, I would “freak out” whenever a tornado descended on North Texas. We gathered snacks and water along with pillows and blankets to place in a closet under the staircase. Huddling together, we listened closely to weather reports. We prayed and quoted scripture of God’s protection over us. The tornadoes landed elsewhere, but we still shuddered through the sounds of howling winds and pounding rain. Thankfully, God always kept us safe through the storm.

King Jehosaphat

God also encourages us with historical accounts in the Old Testament where the Israelites faced possible extinction. In 2 Chronicles 20, a report came to the ears of King Jehoshaphat that a great multitude of enemies was approaching from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. Alarmed, the king sought the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. He also called an assembly and prayed in the house of the Lord.

First, he honored God for His greatness and power. Next, he reminded the Lord of His gift of this land to Abraham and his descendants forever. Since God had always promised to save them from their enemies, the king appealed to Him to rise up and judge them. He pleaded, ‘O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV).

All Judah stood before the Lord—wives, infants, and children—waiting for an answer from God. In the middle of the crowd, Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, spoke as the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and gave the king specific directions.

God spoke.

Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you (2 Chronicles 20:15a-17 NKJV).

The Israelites and Jehoshaphat fell down and worshiped the Lord, while the Levites stood up to give loud praises to Him. Early the next morning, they assembled to march out to meet the enemy. The king called out encouragement, saying, ‘Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper’ (v. 20). The Levites, arrayed in holy attire, went before the army, singing out, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting’ (v. 21).

What followed on the heels of this preparation was truly miraculous. As they sang and praised God, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies’ armies, causing great confusion. Instead of attacking the Israelites, they began attacking each other until all of them lay dead on the battlefield. Following three days of plundering the enemy (because there was so much), Jehoshaphat led the people back to Jerusalem with joy as they rejoiced over their enemies.

What is our takeaway?

We can apply these lessons from Scripture to our personal struggles, whether they be financial, health-related, family-related, or job-related. They may be physical or spiritual issues, dealing with loss or hurt. Even now, people are still suffering from extreme cold and power outages in different parts of our country.

But God has given us a strategy for success.

Prepare for battle. Fast and pray. Listen. Praise and worship as you go out to meet the enemy. Then STAND and WAIT for the Lord to defeat what is coming against you.

When we stand still and wait, that’s when the Lord can act. Put on the full spiritual armor of God. Trust Him to go before you to fight your enemies. Don’t take the battle out of His hands but rely totally on His power to defeat whatever you are facing.