Bold Faith:
Lessons from Jehoshaphat's Prayer

The armies were closing in. The odds were devastating. And King Jehoshaphat did what faithful leaders do when fear threatens to overwhelm—he turned to God. In 2 Chronicles 20:5–12, we hear the voice of a man standing at the edge of crisis, praying with reverence, memory, and bold dependence.

“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven?” Jehoshaphat begins not with panic, but with praise. He declares God’s rule over all nations, lifting his eyes above the threat to the One whose power is unmatched. In moments of fear, this is where prayer begins: not in the size of our enemy, but in the greatness of our God.

Then, he remembers: “Did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel?” He draws strength from the past—God’s past faithfulness, past victories, past promises. Jehoshaphat doesn’t need a new reason to trust. He simply calls to mind what God has already done.

And then comes one of the most honest lines in all of Scripture: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” That’s the essence of faith. He doesn’t pretend to have a plan. He brings his helplessness to God and anchors his trust there.

When we face situations beyond our ability or understanding, this is the prayer that steadies our soul.

God responds with assurance: “Do not be afraid or discouraged… For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Victory will not come by military might but by divine intervention. Jehoshaphat’s role? Trust. Stand firm. Watch God work.

This prayer teaches us how to approach our own overwhelming moments:

• Start by declaring who God is.
• Remember how He’s moved in your past.
• Be honest about your weakness.
• Keep your eyes fixed on Him.

Because when you don’t know what to do, that’s not the end of your faith—it’s the beginning of deeper trust.

Let your next prayer echo Jehoshaphat’s: “Our eyes are on You.” And trust that the God who answered him will answer you, too.