I was reading in the old testament today the story of Jehoshaphat defeating Moab. (2 Chronicles 20) I would encourage you to read it.
We are often in battles where there is no possible way we can win. The numbers tell the story. The other side has more people to fight and appear to be in better condition to advance their position. This was the case for Jehoshaphat.
But, instead of hanging his head low and giving up he did a very interesting thing. He gathered all the people to fast and pray. They praised God. He even prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (vs12).
When you don't know what to do- gather the troops. Unite in praise and prayer and fix your eyes on God.
2 Chronicles 20:12-13
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
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4 comments:
Why am I so afraid to take my hands off of something, and trust God? Especially when I come to realize that I cannot bring about the results I desire... I'm coming to a cross-roads, a dead end; one that I have been unable to delay, or re-route. I've been here before, and experience has taught me that the road can in fact extend beyond what I perceive as a dead end--and that's what haunts me--the unknown. But like I said, I have been here before, and without exception the Lord has protected and provided for us, and made a way through. So why am I so concerned, again? When I read your post I thought "I should fast this week." Then the Lord said to me, "Yes, but not food. Fast from you trying to make it all happen on your own." And there's the issue. It's that trust issue, again. Me trusting Him. It's not that I have been lazy, and if I were to be brutally honest, perhaps I work so hard at finding a solution so that if it does go south I can at least say "I did everything I could." I'm a Christian with a 'back-up plan'. There--I said it. Not intentionally, mind you. I think I've just been "wired" to be a solution finder. But that strength seems to be my greatest weakness when it comes to helping myself. I need to know when to work with all my heart and energies, and also when to just be still before the Lord, naked, vulnerable...and trust. Thank you all very much for your encouragement.
Wow, Jarvis, you nailed it! I'm a "Christian with a back-up plan".
Chambers teaches that God will bring us back to something He wants to teach us over and over until we learn it. God patiently presents opportunities to learn the lesson.
It would be awesome if this time around could be the time I actually learn the lesson. When I finally learn that I can really trust God for all my needs.
That is my hope!
Lon
Tell me about it! I've come back to one of those proverbial mountains for the fourth time (I'm still in a holding pattern as we speak!). I KNOW there is something I need to learn, to embrace, and even believe I know what it is, and here I am again. Jesus continues to tells me "do not be afraid". So here I am once more, being invited out of the boat to walk on water, as I keep my eyes on Him. I need some Holy Ghost blinders to stay more focused this time!
And yet another great phrase - "Holy Ghost blinders" - do you suppose they have those at Aldi's? I could sure use a pair!
It seems like prayer is at the heart of maintaining the focus we need. It is only through prayer that I'm able to concentrate on Christ. It is only when I bow my head that the sound of the "storm" subsides.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will give us the strength and wisdom to turn our hearts toward God when we notice the storm's rage.
Lon
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