I’ve shared the story of King Jehoshaphat, a God-fearing king, and King Ahab, a god-chasing king who doesn’t fear God. King Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and his people. He desired peace and prosperity not only for his kingdom but also for his neighboring kingdoms. He made alliances with them and even took wives to seal the deal. On the other hand, King Ahab had other intentions. His coalition came with selfish gain; what was in it for him? He had something under his sleeve and didn’t waste time executing his plans. However, he planned to invite King Jehoshaphat for an elegant dinner and waited for the right time to ask the question; will you join me in the battle against my enemy?
Without much thought and weighing the cost, King Jehoshaphat agreed impulsively. He forgot one important factor though; he said, yes before asking the Lord, and suffered significant loss.
I can’t tell you how many times I have made this same mistake! However, now I saw the “Red Flags” and didn’t attach myself so that I won’t be too hard on myself this time. I felt like this, too, was temporary. In the spiritual, I see myself walking heavenward; I am just passing through the valley of the shadow of death, but the Lord is with me.
As I had shared in the last story, “Not My Battle, Not My War,” like Jehoshaphat, I came with peace in my heart and wanted to help; but the effort was to no avail. I didn’t have a palace to go to, so I parked at a Home Depot parking lot, called my sister, and cried my heart out; I am grateful for my sister. She is a woman of God, and she holds me in prayer.
The hard reality is you never know who cares about you until you hit rock bottom. The Bible says when things are good, you have many friends, but when things are bad, there is only one closer than a brother. I couldn’t help but think about all those I helped when things were good for me. I shared what I had with them and gave without reservation; I never asked for repayment; I believed they would help me if needed. But the sad truth is when the selfish gain is attached, one wrong move or word, the true spirit of the man is revealed and they use their power against you in your weaknesses. And the Prophet said to Jehoshaphat, the reason is that you attached yourself to a people who don’t love God. The key word is “attach.”
King Ahab disguised himself on the battlefield, but he did not tell King Jehoshaphat to do the same; if the enemy were to notice a king, they would aim to kill him first. However, he could not hide from God; the arrow went to Ahab, and he died, as the Lord said. God saved King Jehoshaphat because, regardless of his failure, he loved God; God knows the heart of man, and His Spirit.
The battlefield is spiritual; Jesus is the One who stands closer than a brother. Victory is mine because I am attached to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Spirit is revealed through me. His seal is on me, as Jehoshaphat, the arrows meant for him were diverted toward his adversary, Ahab.
Dear Lord, I failed repeatedly, but by Your mercy, grace, and faithfulness, You have delivered me and kept me hidden in Christ. Thank You, Father. May I never take Your grace for granted. Please forgive me for acting impulsively and not seeking You first in decision making. Teach me to be diligent to count the cost before moving forward. Please help me remain steadfast in You and Your purpose for my life. When hell came against my loved ones and me, You stood before us; I give You all praise and Glory. You are my refuge and strength, and I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen
