2 Chronicles 20: 1-30
Spent some time in this scripture Sat morning - praying, thinking.....
An army rises against Jehoshaphat - his reaction:
* Alarmed and inquires of the Lord
* Gathers the people and they fast, seeking help from the Lord
Jehoshaphat's prayer is interesting (vs 5-12) and I think a good model to follow in times of trouble.
He acknowledges who God is: "...are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule.....power and might are in your hand."
He recalls what God did in the past: "...did you not drive out...."
He declares what the people will do in the face of trouble: "...we will stand in your presence....and cry out in our distress..."
He points out the enemy's tactic and goal: "...see how they...drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance."
He acknowledges who he is before the Lord: "We have no power.....We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you."
Then the Lord spoke:
"Do not be afraid....the battle is not yours but God's..." Isn't that a relief!! The next part really struck me. The Lord directs Jehoshaphat and his people to go MEET THE ENEMY HEAD ON! To stand firm in position and SEE THE DELIVERANCE of the Lord. They had to show great trust in the Lord God by going and facing their enemy! Think about it that for a minute. We may actually have to face the enemy BEFORE deliverance comes. That takes mighty trust in the Lord.
What was Jehoshaphat's reaction? Did he say, "Are you kidding us Lord?" "No way. That's just crazy - go meet the enemy! They will slaughter us!"
No. Instead, as they went to face the enemy they PRAISED AND SANG "Give thanks to the Lord...."
The Lord delivered them. They did not have to engage in this battle at all. The enemy were all killed - they killed each other. Jehoshaphat and his people got rich off the plunder left behind! God granted Jehoshaphat peace and rest. That's what trust and obedience in the face of a seemingly impossible - even dangerous situation brings us....God's blessings.
I'm "preaching" to myself here Pilgrims. The scary thought occured to me that I may be called by God to go back and face my "enemy" at work - sounds dramatic but for me, right now, they are the enemy - being used by the evil one to try and drive me off track from my possession - - my relationship with Jesus. They are looking at things in a very wordly way and I got caught up in that too. I can't afford to do that anymore - my eyes must be fixed on my God alone!
I sing praise to the Lord for His mercy and love endure forever. I will see the deliverance and protection of my Great and Awesome God.
J. - Little Missionary
6 comments:
Dear Little Missionary Julie,
I am going to print this out and bring it to Mom Golden..Thank you...Love Terry
Dear Julie, LBM,
you have comforted me as well with your preaching.
I expect help for all of us very soon.
From Felisol
"We" all get "caught" up in the world in some degree and at some times in our lives , Lil M ---
Your right on the WORD though, HE inspires us and instructs us thru it ----------
Lord Bless U at work and I am sure HE will !
Another good verse in times of tribulation is:
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
What we are being told here is, the Lord (as we know) endured tribulation during his time on Earth, but he wants us to have peace...he overcame the world and with His help, so can we. We just need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus!
Julie-LM,
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, Eph. 6:10.
I know that's easy for me to say, but I pray that verse encourages you!
Love and Prayers,
LPP
Praying for you, Julie. Rest in His love and grace. Wonderfully encouraging post!
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