Ready for a Thanksgiving Breakthrough?

In America we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving this month—a yearly holiday set aside to express our gratitude to God for His faithfulness and provision. It’s a wonderful time to remember the Lord’s goodness, thank Him for His faithfulness, and gather with loved ones to share a special meal.

But amid the fellowship and feasting, I’m convinced that many believers often miss an important point. They forget the incredible power released when we enter God’s courts with thanksgiving and praise, and then bring our requests to Him (Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6). You see, gratitude is an incredible spiritual force that can overcome the enemy’s schemes and bring us into our Heavenly Father’s blessings and victory.

I love the story of King Jehoshaphat’s battle in 2 Chronicles 20:1-25. What did he do when he was informed about the huge enemy army arrayed against him? He turned his attention to seeking the Lord, and he called for a time of prayer and fasting.

Jehoshaphat knew he needed a blessing, and he sought God’s instructions: “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (v. 12).

Friend, I don’t know what kind of battle you may be facing today. Instead of being confronted by the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir as Jehoshaphat was, perhaps you’re dealing with a spiritual attack against your family, your health, or your finances. Regardless of what the situation may be, I encourage you to follow Jehoshaphat’s example. Turn to the Lord and put your eyes on Him!

King Jehoshaphat was facing overwhelming odds, and he had every reason to be terrified. Yet he was given this beautiful word of reassurance: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).

Today, this is God’s message to YOU as well! He offers to be an enemy to your enemies, fighting your battles until the victory comes.

A Victorious Strategy

Living in victory required a very surprising strategy: A team of worshipers was to go out before the army. Think of how remarkable this was: Instead of warriors being on the front lines, God said worshipers should go first. As someone once pointed out, WORSHIP is truly our WAR-SHIP. When we magnify the Lord and allow Him to rise up in our lives, our enemies are scattered (Psalm 68:1-2; James 4:7).

So what happened when Jehoshaphat implemented God’s unusual word of instruction? “The Lord set ambushes,” and the enemy armies were routed!

What an exciting outcome to a scary situation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the outcome of our battle depends on our own strength or ingenuity. But this story demonstrates quite the opposite: “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you” (v. 17).

In the same way, God is with YOU, my friend. As you enter into His presence with thanksgiving and praise, you are positioning yourself for victory.

If you need relief from the fiery darts of the evil one today, I encourage you to follow Jehoshaphat’s example by magnifying the Lord in praise and worship. Thank Him in advance for thwarting the enemy’s attacks against you or your loved ones.

Don’t Forget the Spoils

Jehoshaphat’s story could have ended there, and it would have already been a very happy ending. The enemies were no longer a threat. Rather than continuing to attack the people of God, the enemy armies had destroyed each other (v. 23).

But God wasn’t finished yet! After the enemies killed each other, an amazing aftermath is described:

When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much (v. 25).

It would have been a great victory just to have their enemies dead, but the Lord allowed Jehoshaphat’s army to gain incredible spoils as well: “an abundance of valuables … and precious jewelry” that took three days to carry away!

In the same way, your Heavenly Father not only wants to defeat your enemies—He also wants to BLESS YOU with His goodness and abundance. Remember that the fantastic breakthrough in this story was triggered when God’s people used thanksgiving and praise as powerful keys to overcome the enemy, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

What a great reminder that when you develop a heart of thanksgiving—not just during a special holiday but throughout the year—you will increasingly see the Lord rout your enemies and unlock the storehouse of His blessings.

We’re Thankful for YOU

This Thanksgiving season, I want you to know how grateful I am for YOU, our faithful Inspiration Partners. We are deeply aware that none of the souls saved, bodies healed, families reunited, or financial breakthroughs would have been possible without your prayers and partnership. Just as Paul told his partners in Philippi, God will credit the worldwide impact of this ministry to YOUR account in Heaven (Philippians 4:17).

I’m also thankful to the Lord for this wonderful day to be alive, when modern technology enables us to win souls and disciple believers in unprecedented numbers! Thank you for joining me on this awesome quest to touch lives around the world with the love of Jesus.

Your friend and partner to reach the Lost,