"How To Fight The Battles You Didn't Choose" 

Connect

What's something small that can instantly turn a bad day around for you?

Take It In

What does this reveal about who God is?

1. Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-4.
   1. Jehoshaphat had just led a spiritual reset for the whole nation, and then the attack came. How did he and the people respond to the news? What does that response reveal about where their trust was?
   2. He resolved to inquire of the Lord before he ever picked up a sword. What can we learn about how God wants us to respond to attack through this? How will that challenge how you currently respond?
2. Read 2 Chronicles 20:18-22.
   1. Face to the ground before facing the enemy. Singers out in front of the army. What grips you about how Jehoshaphat and the people responded? Have you ever experienced worship like this?
   2. The ambush was not in anyone's battle plan. When has God moved in your life in a way you never would have planned?
3. Read 2 Chronicles 20:24-26.
   1. The valley didn't move. Its name changed. They walked in calling it the valley of attack and walked out calling it the valley of blessing. What changed, and what stayed the same?

Talk About It

How do we practically apply this?

1. Read 2 Chronicles 20:13 NIV.
   1. Whole families stood there together, little ones included. How can we grow in doing this as a group and as a church?
   2. Worship is warfare. Be honest: when you check out during worship, what is going on inside you? What will you do to fully engage this Sunday?
2. If you named your valley (the grief, diagnosis, betrayal, loneliness, "I don't know how we're gonna pay for it," etc.), what would the name be? What name do you believe God wants to give it?
3. Read Psalm 23:4.
   1. God doesn't fight every battle the way He fought this one, and sometimes we are even in the wrong battle. How does it change your valley when God's closeness becomes the goal instead of the valley ending?

Take It Home

What are we doing this week?

When you're in the valley, get God in view.

1. Seek the Lord.
2. Stand before the Lord.
3. Listen to the Lord.
4. Sing to the Lord.

Of these four ways to get God in view, which one do you want to be intentional about this week? Share with the group one specific, practical step you will take to put it into action. For example: “I will seek the Lord by fasting from food one day this week and using that time to pray.”

Prayer Time