Choose Faith over Fear
By Ryan Dawson
Life has a way of presenting us with challenges we didn’t expect and battles we don’t feel equipped to fight. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial strain, or spiritual discouragement, we can all find ourselves overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
In times like these, God's Word reminds us that we are not alone—and we are not without hope. “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)
What a powerful reminder! When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were facing a vast and intimidating enemy, God didn’t tell them to sharpen their swords or prepare for a last stand. Instead, He told them to trust Him because the battle belonged to God.
This doesn’t mean we do nothing. In the very next verse, God gives instructions: “Tomorrow, march out against them… But you will not even need to fight.” 2 Chronicles 20:16-17 (NLT)
Their role was to show up in faith, worship, and obedience—and God did the fighting. He went before them and made a way where there was no way.
Contrast that with the warning found in 2 Chronicles 21:12, where King Jehoram receives a letter from the prophet Elijah because he had turned away from the Lord and led others into destruction. This stark warning is a sobering reminder that when we reject God’s ways, we forfeit the blessing of His protection and leadership.
So, what’s the takeaway for us today?
Choose faith over fear. Choose obedience over rebellion. Choose God sufficiency over self-sufficiency. Choose to look to God instead of trying to fight your battles alone.
We serve a God who goes before us, who is present in our struggles, and who delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him. When fear rises and life presses in, remember that the same God who stood with Jehoshaphat stands with you today.
Let’s fix our eyes on our loving God. Let’s choose faith—even when fear rises in us, because the fight is not ours —the battle belongs to God.
Blessings, Ryan
Life has a way of presenting us with challenges we didn’t expect and battles we don’t feel equipped to fight. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial strain, or spiritual discouragement, we can all find ourselves overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
In times like these, God's Word reminds us that we are not alone—and we are not without hope. “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)
What a powerful reminder! When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were facing a vast and intimidating enemy, God didn’t tell them to sharpen their swords or prepare for a last stand. Instead, He told them to trust Him because the battle belonged to God.
This doesn’t mean we do nothing. In the very next verse, God gives instructions: “Tomorrow, march out against them… But you will not even need to fight.” 2 Chronicles 20:16-17 (NLT)
Their role was to show up in faith, worship, and obedience—and God did the fighting. He went before them and made a way where there was no way.
Contrast that with the warning found in 2 Chronicles 21:12, where King Jehoram receives a letter from the prophet Elijah because he had turned away from the Lord and led others into destruction. This stark warning is a sobering reminder that when we reject God’s ways, we forfeit the blessing of His protection and leadership.
So, what’s the takeaway for us today?
Choose faith over fear. Choose obedience over rebellion. Choose God sufficiency over self-sufficiency. Choose to look to God instead of trying to fight your battles alone.
We serve a God who goes before us, who is present in our struggles, and who delights in showing Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him. When fear rises and life presses in, remember that the same God who stood with Jehoshaphat stands with you today.
Let’s fix our eyes on our loving God. Let’s choose faith—even when fear rises in us, because the fight is not ours —the battle belongs to God.
Blessings, Ryan