A Strategy That Works
What type of strategy is this?
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise…” [2 Chronicles 20:22]
Operation Desert Shield was underway the year I visited Saudi Arabia. Given the nature of my assignment, the team and I had access to military bases where the U.S. was strategically positioning its aircraft and troops. While the full extent of the operation was top secret, it was easy to deduce that this was more than just a routine defensive military strategy. The U.S. military definitively intended to carry out and complete its mission.
Although I have never served in the military, I have a strong affinity, admiration, and appreciation for our service men and women. I am grateful for their commitment to protect our freedom and liberty.
While I have never studied military strategy, I’m pretty certain that neither West Point nor Quantico has a course entitled Military Strategy: Vocal Choir 101. My guess is the military carefully studies offensive operations and defensive positions that provide the best scenarios for a successful outcome. Singing would not be a “strategy” they’d consider!
King Jehoshaphat was a military genius before his time apparently! He found himself in an unenviable position with a “vast army”, comprised of soldiers from multiple countries, marching against him. King Jehoshaphat was “terrified by this news” and sought guidance from God instead of his military commanders.
God answered King Jehoshaphat’s prayer with a most “unusual” battle plan: Place a choir of singers to march in front of the army, then stand still and watch what God will do. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m not signing up for that choir nor enlisting in the army to defend my nation with a strategy like that!
Guess what happened? “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.” It became a complete annihilation as the enemy armies destroyed each other, so much so that “not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”
This story caused me to pause and ask myself what kind of battle strategy do I employ? When the enemy comes to attack, do I consult God first? Or do I feebly attempt to design my own strategy to defeat him? If someone were to review my battle plans they might conclude that there must be a better strategy--perhaps God’s plan!
God has promised to be with us and to be in the middle of any battle we face. He is more than able, and He is more than capable of fighting on our behalf!
What is your battle strategy?
