As the citizens of Judah gathered in the temple to pray about the impending invasion of their land by the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir, they were expectantly awaiting the Lord’s answer. Interestingly, it came in the form of a prophecy that was spoken through a man named Jahaziel. As he was overcome by the Spirit, this faithful priest foretold that God would give the Jews victory over the vast armies of their enemies, and then he uttered step-by-step instructions about how they were to march into battle. Though the account is powerful on many levels, as I read it, I can’t help but wonder how Jehoshaphat knew he could trust the words of Jahaziel. After all, he had recently been “burned” by the voice of 400 deceiving prophets who told him that it was safe to go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, and that’s how he nearly lost his life. He could easily have shied away from trusting anyone again, but the king had clearly gained discernment. Since he was “in tune” with what the Lord was saying, he was confident in taking action, because the inner-knowing of his heart agreed with the words he heard spoken.

My friend, when you ask Him, the Lord will answer. He delights in responding to your heartfelt pleas for help, and He sometimes chooses to speak through the words of another. Whenever He uses someone else to lead you, what they say will align with what He is already stirring in your soul, and it won’t contradict His Word. Your Savior wants to reveal His good, pleasing, and perfect will to you, and as you walk close to Him, the Holy Spirit will illuminate your path and make every crooked place straight!