2 Chronicles 17:10-11 (NIV) The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.

In the history of the world, the people of God have always had enemies. That’s because the enemy of our souls turns people’s heart against God and anyone or anything associated with Him. Satan loathes God and loathes anything that belongs to God and his aim is to try to steal, kill and destroy whoever or whatever is holy (John 10:10). That’s why the people of God of ages past and the people of God now have always had to be ready for battle, although the battle is ultimately the Lord’s (thank you Jesus!). When we are walking closely with God and living our lives in Him, He gives us victory over our enemies. King David even talked about having a feast prepared for him by God in the presence of His enemies (Psalm 23:5). There is nothing that can come against you as a child of God when you love and serve Him. But there is a deeper level that surpasses even that kind of success.

King Jehoshaphat was one of the eight good kings that Judah had in its history before they were exiled. That’s eight out of the twenty that ruled the land of Judah during their history. But Jehoshaphat’s success against the enemies of God is unparalleled. We see in the passage of scripture above that even the Philistines, who were one of the most evil and persistent that Israel had during their time inhabiting the Promised Land, brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute. That means that they not only didn’t dare to attack Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah while he was ruling over the land, but that they even honored him. The scripture above also says that “the fear of the Lord” fell on all the kingdoms surrounding Judah. When God is with you, people take notice, and that includes your enemies. The reason why Jehoshaphat experienced such success including being honored by his enemies is quite simple. The answer is in a few verses earlier where we read that “His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord,” (2 Chronicles 17:6).

When you heart is devoted to God and to His ways, He grants you great favor. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, we read that “the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” God is serious about that. He honors those who honor Him. The key, which a lot of followers of Christ miss, is being FULLY committed. A lot of Christians are either somewhat committed, half-committed or sometimes committed to the Lord. Few are fully committed. Imagine the success that we would experience in this life with a full commitment to the Lord, which leads to untold blessings besides being victorious against our enemies. It also leads to avoiding a world of hurt and trouble when your heart is not committed and wanders towards dangerous things and places. Make sure that you experience all that the Lord has for you by committing your heart fully to the Lord and being fully devoted to Him. Your life will be blessed and your enemies will be held at bay and perhaps even be compelled to honor you!

Pastor Joey Vazquez