On Sunday our pastor preached on 2 Chronicles 20:1-22, where Jehoshaphat and the Israelites faced a totally impossible situation in a battle they were powerless to win.
On Monday, I fought fatigue and frustration as our day spiralled from a bad start after a tiring weekend in which I did NOT prepare well enough for the week ahead, to us ending in a heap of tears and fears at lunchtime.
On Tuesday, I talked with a couple of friends who are fighting for their marriages, families, and finances. And I battled with my eldest as he disobeyed me, time and again.
On Wednesday, after just over 4 hours of sleep and no quiet time, I fought the temptation to push everyone when we were facing some struggles, and instead took a break to enjoy some time outdoors.
Each of us is fighting a battle of some kind. Whether it is against a hostile loved one, or for a child’s heart; whether it is for our marriages or our finances; whether it is against our flesh or for our souls.
Jehoshaphat was in a huge mess, a real tight spot. He was surrounded by an enemy SO BIG, he and the Israelites had absolutely no recourse.
But Jehoshaphat knew what to do.
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD.” (2 Chron. 20:3a)
Fear is not ok if it makes us try harder, in our own strength. Fear is ok if it drives us to our knees in prayer.
Friend, whatever it is that you are struggling with, or fear, draw near!
“For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chron. 20:12b)
You cannot do this on your own. As Moses told the Israelites as they were crossing the Red Sea, with the Egyptians hot on their heels:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)
You can’t see your way clearly out of it, or even where to start.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord. No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord.
Whatever battle you are fighting, the result belongs to God. Always.
We need only to seek him. Trust him. Worship and obey him.
We sing glory, honour, power and strength to the Lord!
