And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. (2 Chronicles 18:31, KJV)
The king of Syria was so determined to get Ahab, the king of Israel, that he had commanded his army not to pursue anyone else, large or small (verse 30). Though Jehoshaphat had asked for a word from the Lord, when the prophet shared it with him, Jehoshaphat did not respond because he had aligned himself with Israel's wicked king. King Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to disguise himself as the king, and this placed Jehoshaphat in a potentially fatal position.
It does us no good to love the Lord and seek His face if we are going to cooperate with others who are not committed. Do not lose your life or your peace because of wrong associates who want to do what they want to do. They may be reacting to the influence of a lying spirit (verses 21-22). Do not allow a human association to put you in contact with a lying spirit. Thank God that He is still merciful to protect us in the midst of our foolishness, but learn to surround yourself only with those who cooperate with the Spirit of Truth.
Dear Father God, forgive me for the many times I failed to adhere to Your direction for my life. Thank You for giving me the presence of mind to call on You when I am under attack and about to be destroyed. You always help when I call You, and You alone divert the attackers from me. I am truly grateful.
Help me to remember, O God, the value of godly relationships and the priceless treasure of obeying Your leading regardless of who else wants to go another way.
Remind me constantly of the fact that though the devil wants me destroyed, he can only defeat me when I fail to follow You. I thank You for this lesson, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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