Break Through in 2023

by Anne Graham Lotz   •     •  

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As I go out to battle against the unseen enemy, I am learning the power of praise. Because praise is one of our most effective spiritual weapons, it can help us break through enemy lines and experience victory. 

I can testify that although my circumstances may not change, praise changes my attitude and perspective. Praise strengthens my spirit and brings peace that quiets my heart.

I. The Blessing

  • What was the blessing found in 2 Chronicles 19:4 that preceded the battle in 20:1?
  • What was the blessing in Matthew 3:13-17 that preceded the attack on Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11? 
  • Skim through John 9. What was the blessing that preceded the attack on the man who had been born blind?
  • What was the blessing that preceded the attack on the leaders of the early church? See Acts 3:1-26 with Acts 4:1-3.
  • Looking back on the recent past, what attack have you experienced that followed a blessing?
  • What can we learn from this pattern? See Ephesians 6:18.

II. The Battle

  • Describe the attack in 2 Chronicles 20:1-2.
  • How did King Jehoshaphat react?
  • On what promise of God did Jehoshaphat base his prayer? Compare 2 Chronicles 20:6-9 with 2 Chronicles 7:13-15.
  • When have you been attacked physically? Emotionally? Relationally? Spiritually? Mentally? 
  • How have you reacted?
  • Which of the following promises could you claim to base your prayer of faith on? Psalm 27:5; 46:1-11; 100:5; Isaiah 40:29-31; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 8:28, 31-39; Hebrews 10:35-39.

III. The Banner

  • What challenge did Jehoshaphat give to his people? Put the passage from 2 Chronicles 20:20 into your own words.
  • What unique instructions did Jehoshaphat give, and what was the result, in 2 Chronicles 20:21-22?
  • Relate Psalm 60:4 to the king’s strategy against the enemy.
  • See Isaiah 11:10. Who is our Banner?
  • When you are under attack, how can you raise the Banner? What will you do to incorporate praise in your strategy to overcome the enemy?
    Fill in the blanks:  
  • I praise the Lord for who He is_________.
  • I praise the Lord for what He has done__________.
  • I praise the Lord for what He is and will do__________.
  • Next time you feel you can’t take one more sleepless night, one more disappointment, one more painful procedure, one more slanderous lie, one more hurtful rejection, one more_________, lift high the banner of His Name. There is power in praise!

Is it possible that God is wanting to give you a breakthrough in 2023, but He is waiting for you to lift up the Banner of His Name? Start praising Him now. And keep on praising Him until you have victory. ©2022 Anne Graham Lotz 

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is “Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation.” It is available from major booksellers online. 

Photo: Logan Ryan/©2022 BGEA