A Dangerous Challenge

The battle is not your, but God's.
2 Chronicle 20:15

While millions watched on television, Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls on a 1,800-foot wire that was only 2 inched in diameter. He took all the precautions he could. But adding to the drama and danger of both the height and  the rushing water below, a thick mist obscured Nik's sight, wind threatened his balance, and spray from falls challenged his footing. Amid and perhaps because of these perils, he said that he prayed a lot" and praised God.
    The Israelites also praised God in the middle of a dangerous challenge. Theirs involve a large group of warriors who had gathered to fight them (2 Chron. 20:2). After humbly asking God for help king Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the Israelite army. The worshipers sang: "Praise the Lord, for his mercy endures forever" (v21). When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to attack and destroy each other.
     Praised God in the midst of a challenge may mean overriding our natural instincts. We tend toward self-protection. Strategizing, and worry. However, worshiping can guard our hearts against troubling thoughts and self-reliance. It reminds us of the lesson the Israelites learned: "The battle is not [our] God's" (v.15).