Praise Warrior

We know that often times we are called to battle in prayer and allow God and his angel armies to battle on our behalf. But we also need praise warriors, those willing to lead into battle praising God for the victory that remains unseen.

When Joshua fought the battle of Jericho he put the worship band in front of ark. The worship was key to the victory. You may have to shout to the Lord a victory cry before the walls in front of you fall. When you offer your praise in the midst of a battle you are tearing down walls and strongholds.

“Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”” Joshua 6:4-5 NLT

When King Jehoshaphat found himself in an impossible situation he cried out to God and the Lord sent a message to his people. It says that the Spirit moved on Jahaziel and gave the Word of the Lord.

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT

This is the message we all long for, we want to skip the battle and walk in victory. But it didn’t say they were going to skip the battle, it says they won’t be the one doing the fighting. So what were they doing?

Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 NLT

Sometimes you have to stop and remind yourself what the Lord said. You have to build up your faith and prepare for battle.

After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT

After quick auditions, kidding, but it does sound like the said “OK, who here can sing?” The worshippers were on the front lines again. When we walk into battle with our focus on worshipping our God, full of splendor, and forever faithful, we dispatch all of Heaven to fight on our behalf.

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.” 2 Chronicles 20:22 NLT

They didn’t see the battle, all they saw was the fact that the battle was already over when they arrived on scene.

That situation you are stressing over right now, it is in Gods hands. He is calling you to become a praise warrior. Begin thanking Him for all He has already done. Begin acknowledging Him for who He is. Let your faith arise. Don’t sit on the sidelines, you’ll still have to face whatever is ahead. The difference is that when we lift our praise to Heaven we never walk into battle alone. We serve a God who can work it out before you ever get there. But even if not, He will be with you and that is victory in itself.