My daughter loves soccer. She currently plays on a recreational team and has become quite good. However, she was dreading her turn to be the goalie. I get it; I wouldn’t want to stand in front of a net and wait to have people kicking balls at me either. It just so happens that at her last game, it was her turn in the net. To her surprise, she was the best goalie the team had so far (I may be biased). She was diving to block shots and keep the ball as far away from the goal as possible. It was a proud soccer mom moment. It may not have been her favourite position to play, but it was definitely a needed one. And one she held well.
In 2 Chronicles 20:13-18, we see the people of Judah in a state of war. They were surrounded, afraid and discouraged. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men, Jahaziel son of Zechariah and he spoke the words of the Lord. He said “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 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!”
Did you catch it? He said to take your positions, then stand firm. God will always fight our battles, but we must do our part. We need to stand up and take our positions and watch as he conquers our fears, struggles and the enemy’s plan for our lives. We can’t sit by or be found hiding in a corner. No, the Lord calls his people to take your position. It is a position of confidence, a position of faith, a position of knowing that the battle is already won. It is a prayerful position. It is a position that understands the power of God Almighty. Will there be fear? Maybe. But we stand with faith in the only One that can conquer anything that comes to us.
Whatever your battle is today, take your position. Walk in boldness with the knowledge that the Lord has already won the victory. Step before that net and watch the Lord block one shot after another.