At the end of yourself

Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. – 2 Chronicles 20:15-17, NASB

He was at the end of his resources, with no place to turn – at least that’s how it seemed. An army of men was across the Jordan, 18 miles from Jerusalem. Intelligence reports had failed, and the secretary of defense rushed into the capitol with the message that an invasion was imminent.

King Jehoshaphat found God’s power and help, and how he reached God provides insights for us today. According to 2 Chronicles 20, the king quickly realized there was no hope in the flesh. That was the first step in reaching God. We are independent creatures who scheme and plan to solve our own problems, but when you realize the problem is bigger than you are, then you understand that only God can help.

The second thing that Jehoshaphat did was earnestly seek God’s help. He invited the people to meet together for prayer. They reminded God of His promises to meet their needs. They admitted their helplessness. The king prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, ESV).

You may be at that place where “the army is about to invade.” To whom are you looking for help? When the king fixed his eyes on God instead of the problem, he found an answer. God came through. When you know that God is with you, it matters little how dark the hour, or how great the problems that confront you.

God’s message to the king was, “Stand still and let me handle the situation.” We often feel we have to do something, anything. But God wants you to stop worrying and let him handle your situation. God saw the worried king through his crisis. Jehoshaphat won the battle without firing a shot. So can you! Trust God.

Used with permission from Guidelines International Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to [email protected]. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.