In 2 Chronicles 18 -20 Jehoshaphat makes an alliance with King Ahab of Israel. Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to join him in a war. Jehoshaphat wants confirmation from a prophet of the Lord that this is a good move. Ahab provides 400 prophets who all say that this plan is alright. Now the scripture doesn’t speak specifically about these prophets but they very well could have been prophets of Baal like this ones that Elijah defeated in 1 Kings, although they say that they are speaking God’s word. Anyway, Jehoshaphat is suspicious and asks Ahab if there is another prophet of the Lord who could give them counsel. Ahab mentions Micaiah but he says that he hates Micaiah because he always prophesies against him. Since Ahab is not walking in the ways of the Lord it is not surprising that God would not bless his efforts.

Micaiah tells them that because of Ahab’s sin God made the prophets lie to him. He prophesies that Ahab will die. Ahab wants to put Micaiah in prison. Micaiah says if Ahab returns then he did not speak for the Lord. Jehoshaphat joins Ahab in battle. Jehoshaphat survives but Ahab dies.

Jehoshaphat returns to Judah but Jehu, son of Hanani, tells him that God is not pleased that he went into battle with Ahab against God’s advice. God still sees that Jehoshaphat is faithful even with this disobedience. Jehoshaphat responds by working harder for the Lord. He brings many of the people in the outlying areas back to the Lord. He appoints judges and tells them ask the Lord for good just judgment. In Jerusalem he appointed Levites and priests to judge the people to teach them the Law of God.

The Moabites and Ammonites wage a battle against Jehoshaphat. He seeks the Lord. The whole country fasts and prays. Jehoshaphat reminds God of his covenant with the faithful, from the time of Abraham to the building of the temple. He asks God to protect them. God hears their pleas and tells them not to be afraid. The battle is His.

As they go out into battle Jehoshaphat reminds them to believe in God. He appoints some to sing to the Lord as they walk in front of the army. God ambushes the enemies and the army is able to collect a great booty.

The people praise God for his faithfulness. God brings peace to Judah for a long time. Unfortunately Jehoshaphat again allies himself with a wicked king of Israel. They build ships to invade Tarshish. God does not bless them and the ships are destroyed.

It is very possible for someone who follows the Lord to make bad decisions. Usually, it happens when we trust our own instincts rather than consulting with God. As we read these stories we are reminded again and again that asking God first and doing what He ways is always the best course of action. Otherwise we will live with the consequences. This is particularly true if we are keeping company with those who do not believe. They do not make their decisions with God’s help. We need to remember that and seek God’s counsel before doing the things our unbelieving friends think are good ideas.

In Ephesians 3 Paul encourages the Christian Gentiles to keep the faith. They are part of God’s plan for the world and for his kingdom. Paul wants them to understand how much Christ loves them. Paul reminds them that God is able to accomplish much more that we can ask for or imagine. He deserves our glory and praise.