It's a gorgeous view outside of the window where I sit, trusting.
Do you need Courage to face some things today?
In any personal or public matter, anything that bothers you, seek help from God first. My default is to try to fix it. No! Give it up. Go to God. Whatever the loss, God is doing us good. Appeal to God first. "Our trials will prove our gain." M. Henry
Victory. Wealth. Power. Jehoshaphat did it right, had it all. Until...he united with an evil king. 2Chron 18:3 ~ I am as you are, as you wish, replies Jehoshaphat to the conniving king. Oh, what a truth that stings me, those times when I cannot stand up to another person who is clearly not following God.
Jehoshaphat comes to his senses, comes to his knees. Surrenders. Breaks the alliance with the wicked king. May we have no share in evil. Would God stay angry with Jehoshaphat? I wonder if Jehoshaphat wondered.
"Let us be thankful for any losses which may have prevented the loss of our immortal souls. Let us praise the LORD Who sought after us, and left us not to perish in our sins." M. Henry
I am so beautifully "taken" with this quote---lifted up to the One Who allowed such loss in my life. All is well in the manner of loss and Love.
Jehoshaphat in full regal armor went to battle yet was protected by God.
King Jehu who went disguised---who thought he was protected---an arrow slipped right into the joint of his armor. You cannot outweigh outguess outdo our God. Surrender and he will surround you.
"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. The Lord is with You." ~ II Chronicles 20:15,17
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Thank you God that you armed me with Strength for battle.
You have subdued,
You have humbled,
Those who are against me and I do not even know it. I trust you, God!
Psalm 18:39
OVERVIEW: II Chronicles 18-20
We Do Not Know What to Do, but Our Eyes are on You!
ReplyDeleteJehoshaphat's prayer was one of humility, powerlessness, surrender and full acknowledgement that God was their Defender, their Help, their Rescue. All of Judah-men, wives, infants, children stood before the Lord and asked and believed as Jehoshaphat's words pierced their heart. Remember our history. God is on our side. Men's plans fail. God reigns.
Prayer not plans are the defense of the righteous.
Do we want to hear what God has to say no matter what or something that fits with our idea of our future:
ReplyDeleteThen the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”
Jehoshaphat went on to bow his face to the ground, he humbled himself, all of Judah stood before the Lord. The outcome for Jehoshaphat was much different.
May we have the spiritual ears to hear the hard messages too.