Inquiring of the LORD

2 Chronicles 18:4

He (Jehoshaphat) replied to him, “I am as you are, my people as your people; we will be with you in the battle.” But Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “First, please ask what the LORD’s will is.”

Ahab was determined to take Ramoth-gilead, but he was afraid to go alone since his death had been prophesied for not destroying Ben-Hadad, King of Aram (1Kings 20). When Ben-Hadad threatened to take everything from Ahab, God gave Ahab victory in battle to destroy the entire Aramean army. Ben-Hadad escaped on foot but later surrendered and asked for mercy. Ahab foolishly not only spared his life but gave him land to grow and flourish! God sent word to Ahab that because he had not carried out the death sentence on Ben-Hadad that Ben-Hadad would eventually destroy him.

We must be willing to completely destroy sin in our lives! Instead of giving ourselves excuses and making friends with the enemy, we must have no mercy over that which seeks to destroy us and be willing to kill every trace of it. Otherwise, it will go back, gather a larger army, and come after us with full force.

Ahab now wanted his land back from the king of Aram, but he was afraid to go into battle alone. Instead, he sought Jehoshaphat’s assistance because he had favor with God. You cannot ride someone else’s coattail of God’s favor and survive. Each of us must have our own relationship with God through Jesus Christ and answer to Him for our deeds. We cannot depend upon someone else’s faith to see us through our battles or to cover our sin. We have to deal with God ourselves on His terms.

Jehoshaphat used wisdom in asking Ahab to inquire of the LORD. While he had established peace with the northern kingdom through the marriage of his son to Ahab’s daughter, he didn’t immediately take up Ahab’s offense and set off to battle with him. He desired to seek God’s will over Ahab’s persuasion.

It can be easy to take up someone’s offense, but we are wise to follow Jehoshaphat’s lead and inquire of the LORD first. Going into battle requires God’s presence to be victorious. What seems unfair or unjust to us may not be the complete story, or it may be a time of testing that requires godly counsel. Either way, inquiring of the LORD is always the right thing to do.

Take some time today to inquire of the LORD regarding any offenses you currently face or that you know others are facing. Not all offenses can be rectified easily, and some might actually require battle or confrontation. Sometimes, inquiring of the LORD will settle the matter in your own spirit so nothing else is required. If confrontation is needed, however, you need the presence of God with you to succeed. A little wisdom and time with God can go a very long way in keeping your peace and protecting you from harm.

Have a blessed day