2. December 1944 Winter Blizzard Battle of the Bulge German Forces Launched their Last Offensive of WWII City of Bastogne German Commander offered to accept a surrender

3. The American Commander Responded Nuts

4. King Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 20:2-3 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat “A vast army, is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar. …… Alarmed Jehoshaphat resolved to enquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

5. King Jehoshaphat Jehoshaphat gathered the people Jehoshaphat Led them in prayer in front of the temple. (2 Chronicles 20:6-12)

6. Background Jehoshaphat King in Judah while Ahab King of Israel. Remember King Ahab?

7. 2 Chronicles 17:1 He strengthened himself against Israel. 2 Chronicles 17:6 His Heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 17:7 He sent Officials and Priests to teach the scriptures to the people. He built up and army and fortifications

8. Then He slipped up 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. Some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab an Friend? Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to join him in Battle against Ramoth-Gilead.

9. Then he slipped up 2 Chronicles 18:4 But Jehoshaphat also said to the King of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord” Ahab had Yes men for prophets Jehoshaphat finds Micaiah who is not a “Yes man”

10. Then he slipped up Micaiah says If you go to war you will be defeated and the people will be scattered. 2 Chronicles 18:17 The King of Israel said to Jehoshaphat “Didn’t I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad” Micaiah gets slapped and slapped in prison.

11. What did Jehoshaphat do? Ahab says you wear your Royal Robes and Ride in a Chariot into Battle, I will go under cover. What Happened?

12. Jehoshaphat Learned Worldly allies are not to be trusted. The importance of Listening to God He is ready. 2 Chronicles 20:15 This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

14. 2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.

15. Jehoshaphat leads the people out and encourages them. 2 Chronicles 20:21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army.

16. The enemies turned on each other and destroyed each other. It took 3 days to collect the plunder of the battle.

17. Jehoshaphat Had Good Days and Bad Days Learned from his mistakes Knew the importance of God’s Word Knew the importance of encouragement Knew the importance of seeking God’s Direction Knew that the Battle is not yours but God’s