(2 Chron 20:12 NIV) 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.”
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” We are about to close this series out and I don’t want to without reiterating the fact that you God wants to be involved in our lives and we get Him involved through the vehicle of prayer. Whether the situation is big or small, divine help is always just a prayer away. In 2 Chronicles 20 we see an example of a grave situation. The small nation of Judah was about to be attacked by a coalition army comprised of three nations. Humanly speaking, little Judah was basically powerless against the attack. By the time the king of Judah was notified the coalition force was already advancing and the attack was imminent. Jehoshaphat, the king, resolved to seek divine insight from the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for the entire nation. While they were fasting the king stood in front of his people, in the courtyard of the temple, and led the assembly in prayer. The king prayed, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” Jehoshaphat went on to remind God of the things He had done for the Israelites. This served two purposes: 1) it was a form of praise, thanking God for what He had done, and 2) it was a confidence builder for Jehoshaphat and his people, because it also reminded them of the power of God. Later on in the prayer Jehoshaphat got to the nitty-gritty, saying, “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.” The king was honest. The problem was bigger than what they could handle and the king did not know what to do, but the key is that his eyes were upon God, meaning that He was seeking God for insight and direction.
The divine insight came through Jahaziel, a young priest, who stood up and said the following under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “Listen, king Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Jehoshaphat then came up with a divinely inspired plan that made no military sense at all. The king sent out the praise team instead of the infantry and while the praise team sang praises to God, all of the enemy forces turned on themselves and fought each other until every last man was killed.
That’s a great story; now let me contrast it with a quick testimony. A few days ago I told you that God is even interested in getting involved in the seemingly little things I our lives. Last Thursday I misplaced a notebook in the Pentagon. There is nothing necessarily special about this notebook, other than he fact that I have been using it for a while and I like it. It bothered me that I could not find it. On Monday morning, just before entering the Pentagon, I prayed a quick prayer and asked God to get involved with getting me the book back and I went on with my day. That morning I received an email from someone telling me they had my book and I got it back.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Whether what you are facing is as small as something you can’t find or as big as a life-threatening situation, God wants to be involved and you get Him involved through prayer.
2. Divine insight can lead you to do things that make no human sense, but if you do them by faith, you will see supernatural results.
3. There is nothing too hard for God. One Word from God can turn any seemingly hopeless situation around!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this reminder this morning. Whether the situation is big or small, seemingly trivial or life threatening, I will get You involved through the vehicle of prayer. I welcome Your involvement in my life daily through prayer. When I don’t know what to do, the first thing I do is turn to You. My initial inclination is to seek divine insight, wisdom, and guidance and I seek it from Your Word and Your Spirit through my prayer life. I am encouraged this morning as I am reminded that there is nothing too hard for You. No matter what I face, I can face it with confidence because You are on me, in me, with me, and for me. I am excited about today. Father, let’s go make a difference! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
