2 Chronicles 18-20(The Message)
2 Chron 18:6 Jehoshaphat said: "Is there another prophet of God around here we can consult? Let's get a second opinion." 2hron 18:12 The messenger who went to get Micaiah told him, "The prophets have all said Yes to the king. Make it unanimous—vote Yes!" But Micaiah told the truth in verse 16: "Is there another prophet of God around here we can consult? Let's get a second opinion." I saw Israel scattered over the hills, sheep with no shepherd. Micaiah got himself locked in jail for speaking God's words. The king went to war and it was an arrow shot into a crowd that wasn't even aimed that took his life. Jehoshaphat made it out alive and turned to God. The next battle was so different for him. A huge force of Moabites and Ammonites came from beyond the Dead Sea to fight J. 2 Chronicles 20:3 "Shaken, J. prayed. He went to God for help and ordered a nationwide fast. 20:5 J. took a position and said: 'When the worst happens—whether war or flood or disease or famine—and we take our place before this Temple (we know you are personally present in this place!) and pray out our pain and trouble, we know that you will listen and give victory.' 2 Chronicles 20:12 We're helpless before this vandal horde ready to attack us. We don't know what to do; we're looking to You." 2 Chronicles 20:15 "Don't be afraid; don't pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God's war, not yours....you won't have to lift a hand in this battle, just stand firm and watch God's saving work for you to take shape. ..March out boldly----God is with you. " This was a 360 for J. "Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets and you'll come out on top! There was an exuberant victory parade! Do I listen to God's words in my pain and troubles or look for a better answer? These are the verses God used in my life upon learning that I had cancer. I was helpless before God and there was an enemy in my own body. But there is an enemy far worse than cancer---the battle for my soul. Stand firm and watch God's saving work to take shape. How can I better learn to stand firm, to live a quiet life? Wonder what that means for me and you today? In quietness and confidence may our trust be only in Him. Isaiah 30:15. God is walking with you!
At the beginning of 2 Chronicles, in Ch. 7:14, God said, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
ReplyDeleteAs we conclude today's reading in Ch. 20, we find HIS people PRAYING, and v. 9 ends by "You will hear us and save us." As God's people faced disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God. They were repenting of their sins, and humbling themselves before Him.
They began to realize that the battle was not theirs, it was God's battle. And for me, today's reminder as I face BIG obstacles, and huge dreams, that I have God's power living in me, that I must humble myself before the Lord, and ask Him to help me as I face my fears and struggles.
God will fight for us, and God ALWAYS triumphs.
Just like you Bev, these verses have been lifelines for me and the time I've had to "Be still." Waiting on the LORD...well, it is a very big lesson for a Christian to learn.
ReplyDeleteI've always been one who prayed. And served. And took on the hard tasks...like teaching 3 year olds in Sunday School at a huge church. Or nursery coordinator at that same church. And I've worked in women's ministry at a smaller church, planning lots of things for women. I even planned a "Trading Spaces" event for our ladies that only God could have worked the thing out. It was hard work for the Lord.
But nothing compares to "waiting" on the Lord.
When these strong enemies started licking their lips at the fine meal they were going to have of these Israelites, I could feel the same trapped feeling that I feel sometimes today waiting on my husband to either come home or file for divorce. God says "WAIT."
"ABIDE." I can't go anywhere or do anything to change my situation.
When I read these verses back in the fall of last year, they spoke directly to my heart and empowered me to PRAISE and SING to my Good God.
He fights for me. He is for my marriage. And no matter what, He is faithful to me and He loves me.
I have so much peace because of these verses. Those Israelites didn't have to raise one hand in battle. All they did was praise and sing. And take home plunder.
I have looked at this time in my life as a time to grow closer to my Lord. To look inwardly and be quick to repent in areas that I need to do better (thank you Dr. Crabb for pointing out that we are evil). It is hard to walk this path. I only have enough light for the step I'm on. But God is with me and He is working. He works. I abide.
By the way, Beth Moore did an awesome teaching at LifeToday on these chapters. The title of the message is "What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do." It's one of the archived tapings for Wednesdays with Beth.
Oh Deborah, that's right about the Wednesday taping. I was actually at that taping---maybe it was with Holly? Wish I could have gone last week but my plate was full with upcoming graduation. Your cry for holiness really means something to me! Really, all the women on this blog thing are going to places their God is leading them and it's a holy place! Deborah, e-mail me your address/phone when you can...I want to send you something snail mail and text you. Just love love love your heart!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim, when you said "You will hear us and save us" something just rose up in me. I love hearing 7:14 with chapter 20. HE is longing for us to humble ourselves. You're a pretty humble woman yourself! Love you! Bev
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