Perhaps as a nod to this characteristic of human nature, God also gives us choices. Unlike 100 drink flavors in the drink machine at Moe’s however, he makes it simple. In life, we have only two choices, and these options go way back to a story in 2 Chronicles 20.
At the time, godly king Jehoshaphat sat on the throne of Judah. As is often the case with godly rulers, it wasn’t long before enemies arrived to try to mess up his good thing. Judah was a shadow of her former self in those days, with an army no one in his right mind would boast about. When the big guys came knocking, King Jehoshaphat knew they were in trouble.
“A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea,” the warning stated. “. . . and Jehoshaphat feared” (2 Chr. 20:2-3). He gathered the leaders from the surrounding cities, and together they sought the Lord. “. . . we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us,” he prayed, “nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”
Almost immediately, God responded to Jehoshaphat’s prayer through one of the prophets. “Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s . . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you” (v. 15, 17).
With these words, God gave Jehoshaphat a choice: believe the impossibility of the circumstances or believe God’s Word.
We face the same choice every day of our lives. When faced with challenging (and sometimes overwhelming) circumstances, will we believe what we see with our eyes or will we trust in God’s promises?
You know the rest of the story. “Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord” (v. 18).
The next morning, per God’s instructions, they marched out to face the enemy with music on their lips and praise in their mouths. “Praise the Lord,” they sang, “for his mercy endures forever.”
Without lifting a spear or a sword, the Israelites won a great victory that day, because the Lord fought for them. By praying, seeking God’s face, and believing his promises, they released the power available in heaven and brought it to earth for a great victory.
The result?
“The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.”
If you need a few more promises for your faith arsenal, here are some of my favorites:
“Call to me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15).
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).
“However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (I Cor. 2:9).
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).
Choices. We can trust the Lord or trust ourselves. Plan B points to trouble every single time. The more we know the Lord, lean in to trust Him and obey His Word then we are walking in the center of His will. What a fabulous choice is Plan A.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Christine. Well said. THanks for chiming in today.
DeleteGreat reminder!!
ReplyDeleteTHanks, Kimberly. Blessings to you!
ReplyDelete