When Faith Fights the Battle

Facing the Unknown with Jehoshaphat

Election Day brings all kinds of tension and uncertainty. It’s a time when people feel the stakes are high, and everyone has strong opinions about what should happen next. In moments like these, we often feel we need answers, action plans, and control. Or at least, I do! But the Bible gives us a surprising story of trust and surrender in the face of impossible odds.

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah is facing an impossible situation. Three armies are on their way to invade, and Judah’s military doesn’t stand a chance. But instead of wringing their hands with worry and launching into defensive strategy, Jehoshaphat does something unexpected. He gathers everyone in Judah to seek God together. They fast, they pray, and they admit their helplessness. Jehoshaphat’s simple but powerful prayer captures it all: “Our eyes are on You.”

What happens next? God answers in a very unusual way. He says, don't fight, but stand firm and watch Him deliver them. This might remind you of another time when God told His people to “stand and see” (Exodus 14:13-14). 

And, He does. While Judah is standing and praising, God causes their enemies to turn on each other, bringing victory without Judah lifting a single physical weapon. The weapon they lifted was faith and trust in their God.

Let’s dive in.

The Power of Focused Faith

The phrase “Our eyes are on You” might sound simple, but it’s loaded with meaning. In Hebrew, the word for “eyes” is עַיִן (ayin), which doesn’t only refer to physical sight. It’s about perception, insight, and focus. So when Jehoshaphat says, “Our eyes are on You,” he’s calling the whole nation to place their trust fully in God.

This idea of lifting our eyes shows up repeatedly in the Bible. Psalm 121:1 says, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord…” The psalmist looks beyond immediate challenges to focus on God, much like Jehoshaphat.

Similarly, Hebrews 12:2 urges us to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” Jehoshaphat’s prayer here is more than a moment of trust—it’s an act of faith that looks past fears and finds strength in God’s faithfulness.

A Reversal of Human Power Plays

Jehoshaphat’s story is also a repeated biblical lesson: Trust in God, not human power. Israel’s history is filled with leaders who turned to armies or foreign alliances instead of relying on God. One example is Jehoshaphat’s own father, King Asa, who chose to rely on Syria for help instead of trusting in God (2 Chronicles 16:7). This decision led to defeat, showing the cost of misplaced trust.

Later in the prophet Isaiah 31:1, God warns, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” The leaders who sought alliances with Egypt thought power and protection came from military strength, but God continually calls His people to rely on Him.

What Can We Learn

Jehoshaphat’s story challenges us to approach life’s battles differently. When things feel overwhelming, our instinct is often to take control. But sometimes God calls us to “stand”. To hold steady in faith and focus on Him rather than scrambling for solutions.

Surrendering power isn’t about passively stepping back; it’s a deliberate choice to anchor ourselves to God’s presence and faithfulness. It’s often a challenging process but a key part of growing in trust.

Today, if you’re facing the unknown, consider Jehoshaphat’s approach. Pause, lift your eyes, and place your focus on God. This simple shift might bring the peace and clarity you need to face what’s ahead.