The Neighbors Will Hear About It

And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. (2 Chronicles 20:29-30)

When God fights for you, people will notice. Victory has a sound that travels. The neighboring kingdoms around Israel didn’t learn about Israel’s strategy or skills. They only heard about the God who delivered and stepped in on their behalf. Verse 29 says that “the fear of God was on all the kingdoms.”

God will place supernatural awe in those around you as they witness the results of a life lived for Him. The neighbors will hear about your victory, which becomes a testimony of God’s goodness to the world.Now, Israel didn’t threaten their enemies or boast about their power or military skills. They worshipped God, and He protected their reputation. God is in the business of making names great and turning problems into opportunities for your promotion. It’s not that God causes those problems, but He empowers us to overcome them, leading to a better outcome for us.

The result of living this way is shown in verse 30 when it says, “So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet…” The Hebrew word for rest is nuach, which means to settle down, to cause to rest, or to be completely quiet. That doesn’t mean Jehoshaphat needed a break from exhaustion. It refers to a rest that comes from his sense of security in being protected by God.Your praise brings you victory, establishes your authority, and reminds your enemies to fear God, so that you live a life of peaceful rest in Him.

Practical Application

Obey God right away when He asks you to follow. Know that the aftermath of your obedience will be a victory that everyone sees. God is in the business of making your name great.

Matthew 11:28; John 14:27