By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

In a video clip I recently saw on the online newspaper, Telegraph’s website, a pride of lions in the Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa circles around a buffalo. They are ready to tear the buffalo apart, when an unexpected fight breaks out between two lions. The result? All the lions get distracted, leaving the buffalo to run free (watch the video at the link below).

The same happened in 2 Chronicles 20. Three armies were on their way to attack King Jehoshaphat and his army. Jehoshaphat knew they would not survive it. In fear, he called out a day of fasting and prayer for the nation to seek God’s help. In 2 Chronicles 20:17 we read the promise they got from God: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

With this promise, Jehoshaphat and his army walked into battle the next day. As they sang and prayed, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. Jehoshaphat and his army did not have to endure any attack.

In Isaiah 54:17 we read: “. . . no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.” Also in Deuteronomy 28: 7, we read: “The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you.”

Because God knows about each attack the enemy (visible or invisible) plans against you, He can protect us - and confuse the enemy’s plans. Instead of becoming fearful when it feels as if we are like the buffalo surrounded by a pride of lions, let's call unto God, as Jehoshaphat and the people, trusting God for a breakthrough. Nothing is impossible for Him. God bless.

Father God, thank you that I do not have to live in fear when an enemy threatens to engulf me. Help me to put my faith and trust in you. Please fight on my behalf. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Watch the video clip here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/25/lucky-buffalo-miraculously-escapes-from-five-lions-because-of-in/

• Assignment: Think for a moment about an enemy (person or situation). Ask God to fill you with wisdom to deal with the situation.