What problems or challenges are you facing? How do you handle them? Do you run, pull away, or worry? 2 Chronicles 20 tells us how Jehoshaphat, the fourth King of Judah, dealt with a big challenge. He gets troubling news that three armies were on their way towards him and he was afraid.
What do you do when you are facing something huge that is beyond your wisdom, abilities, or resources and you are afraid? Who or where do you turn? Let’s consider scripture and learn from this situation.
First, Jehoshaphat took his problem to God. 2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV), “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah”. The ESV says, “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD…”. We see that he was afraid and sought God’s advice. When navigating a difficult situation do you take your problems to God first? Not second or last, but the first thing by prayer. Give it over to God, He is up all night so you don’t have to be.
Second, he remembered the power of God. 2 Chronicles 20:5-7, “Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the LORD’s temple, in front of the new courtyard. He prayed: “O LORD God of our ancestors, you are the God who lives in heavenand rules over all the kingdoms of the nations. You possess strength and power; no one can stand against you. Our God, you drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it as a permanent possession to the descendants of your friend Abraham”. Do you remember God’s power? Your problem is not greater than God’s power, so remember who God is, what He has done, and have hope for what He can do.
Third, he was honest about his weakness and limits. 2 Chronicles 20:12, “…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 on you”. Jehoshaphat stood with the people before the LORD. If your problem is big, stand in prayer with God’s people. Stand before the LORD and keep your eyes on Him!
Fourth, he did what the LORD told him to do. God spoke and told Jehoshaphat that he was not to fight, but to march out and face the enemy. God gave this instruction and then encouraged him saying not to be afraid or discouraged (v17) because He (the LORD) would fight for them. They would have to face the situation, but they were not alone. As God’s child, neither are you!
Finally, he put on the garment of praise! He literally appointed a worship team to go before them singing praises to the LORD.
In the end, God delivered him from the enemy. 2 Chronicles 29-30, “The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his GOD had given him rest on every side”.
At CFTHW, our goal is to help you experience healing and find freedom from your pain and problems. We desire for you to walk in power and your true identity, as a child of God. I pray this word encourages and motivates you to take all your problems to God and that it reminds you of His awesome care and power.
I encourage you to faithfully stand before God in praise, remain in His presence, and take counsel from His word. Then, you will see God’s glory in your story as you find peace and rest in Him.
May the LORD Bless you,
Pastor Jon