July 27
2 Chron 19:1-20:37 | PS 21:1-13 | Prov 20:4-6 | Rom 10:14-11:12
We each face challenges, some which are seemingly small and others which seem insurmountable. Though some we might feel we have the ability to handle, many are beyond our own abilities. What do we do when confronted with these situations? We should seek God both in the small and the larger issues. God does not give us a formula to take care of every situation. If He did so, we would learn to rely on the formula rather than Him, and seek our own glory when we prevail. Instead, God offers us a relationship in which He works out our problems and in the process He, and He alone gets the glory. When the world changed in March 2020, we were all faced with the dilemma of a new virus. Panic and isolation were the most widespread responses. Because my patients were still my patients, and their pregnancies still needed to be taken care of, that response was not an option for me. During the height of the outbreak we had around four hundred patients who became infected. Though initially I felt some fear, God guided me every step of the way and gave me peace and guidance throughout this time. Interestingly, on a much smaller scale I was recently asked to speak at a gala. Public speaking in front of large gatherings is not in my comfort zone. I committed it to prayer, and while on vacation, while I spent some quiet time walking on the beach, each day God gave me step by step what He wanted me to say. After my walk, I would simply go back to my room and write down what He provided me. In an even smaller way, each morning before writing this commentary, I pray before I pick up God's word to open my eyes as to what He would like me to put forth, and He is faithful to provide. God is more than willing to work out our battles, the only question is whether or not we are wiling to give them to Him.
King Jehoshaphat is faced with many battles in today's readings. In the midst of a physical battle, as he is being chased by the Arameans, in 2 Chronicles 18:31, he didn't double down on his battle plan, or figure out a way to outmaneuver the enemy. No, we read that he called out to the Lord, and the Lord saved him. We see him then appointing judges throughout his land, and his instructions for these judges in 19:9, is " “You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart." We next read of an insurmountable army poised to attack Judah. Notice his response in 20:3, "Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting." He then gathered the community together before the Temple and he prayed. Notice he begins by recalling past victories that God has given to His people. He then reminds God, and in the process reminds himself of God's promises and God's faithfulness to those promises in 20:5-9. He then presents God with the challenge before him in 20:10-12. They then all stood and waited in expectation for a response from God, which came through a Levite, which we read in 20:15-16, " He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel." The king in complete trust, responds by sending out the worship team to lead the troops. Though the battle seemingly had yet to even begin, notice the confidence in what they sing in 20:21, "“Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” Notice the conclusion, after God's victory in 20:29, " When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them."
If we are not experiencing this in our Christian walk, perhaps we are trying too hard in our own flesh, rather than following the example of King Jehoshaphat and giving our battles over to God. Notice what he tells the people in 2 Chronicles 20:20, "... “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Most of our situations pale in comparison to what this king was confronted with. We need to stop exalting our situations as though they are somehow unique or beyond solutions, and realize that it is time to exalt God who is more than capable and has faced similar and bigger situations than we are immersed in. When the people of Judah learned to do this, it says of the surrounding enemies that the fear of God came over them. Perhaps there is little fear over us Christians because we face our battles against the world like the world and in the same power as the world. Perhaps we face these trials in our own strength and think we can add God in for a little extra blessing. If we want to see victory, if we want others to take note of Christianity then we must remember that the battle belongs to Him, and the glory goes to Him. It is not that we are worthy, but it is our God who is worthy. May we, today, recognize our own limitations, humble ourselves before Him, and learn to rely on Him. Then move forward in hope and expectation in full reliance of His promises.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: