A good story you just might need right now

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/4a7ccc38/heres-a-good-s...

Poised to move on to 'Silenced by a Slogan,' I had several conversations that prompted me to send this Morning Briefing first.

It is no secret that our faith usually does not grow too much unless there are tough times. It seems that our faith is somewhat like a muscle that grows bigger and stronger when we exercise it; and conversely, when we do not, it shrivels, maybe even dies. 

Sometimes, there is absolutely nothing we can humanly do to change circumstances in our lives; however, God can act. The fact is, God does act in response to the prayers of those who love Him and look to Him in prayer. It is ours to pray in faith--now, that is something we can do, and His to come and do what only He can do. 

Check out 2 Chronicles 20. link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2020.1-...

This is an incredible story. Here's the scene--King Jehoshaphat is made aware that he is about to be attacked by a 'vast' army. To say that his back is against the wall is an understatement, but what is his response? Jehoshaphat prays to God for help and declares a fast, (as a respected leader, the people heed his words). From the temple courtyard, he stands and addresses his Commander in Chief, God. Notice how he starts his prayer with adoration and then recalls how God has taken care of the people up until this point. He concludes his prayer with, "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 is the place of surrender. Like Jehoshaphat, maybe at this time you decide to let God take control of your life... pray, and transfer what you are carrying on to him. This is a total pivot - do you see that?

How about Jehoshaphat? The Lord hears his prayer, sends a message to the people: 

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.” 

For the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20.15) 

What are you up against, my friend, trying to fight, control or solve on your own? God wants to take it for you, saying,'Hey Sandi, Eric, Dave, 'do not be afraid or discouraged. . . the battle is not yours, but mine.'

Could we stop right here and pray? From North Carolina to Utah, from Florida to London, the Netherlands, to Kenya and South Africa, the Philippines and India---let us join together in prayer: Dear God, WE ARE IN A BATTLE RIGHT NOW… nothing escapes your notice, and nothing has caught you by surprise. You told us to pray continually, to bring our needs to you. Won't you take our situations--financial need, crippling worry over the future, dad of young kids fighting infection in the hospital, addiction struggle, our economy, etc. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you, Lord. We will not be afraid, we will not let ourselves be discouraged. We take you at your word--the battle is not ours, but yours. Our trust is in you, sweet Lord. Come, move. . . In your powerful name we pray, Amen.

Come with me back to the hillside with Jehoshaphat . . . what happens? This is the reason it is worthwhile to push past unfamiliar names in the scripture passage to get a grip of this incredible thing God does! As his men are marching down to face the battle, Jehoshaphat appoints men to sing praises to God-- so sure of the victory God had promised them (v. 17) Can you just imagine what the opposition was thinking as they heard them coming? Crazy Jews :/! The opposing armies then turn on each other, destroy one another, and Jehoshaphat's men never have to fight! Isn’t that just crazy? Oh, how I love this story of God's faithfulness! 

What was the response of Jehoshaphat's people? Led by him, they went back into Jerusalem, went to the temple to praise God with musical instruments, giving him the glory he deserved.

Once again, we see how different things are when we are operating in God's economy--God didn't just help Jehoshaphat's armies, he caused the other armies to destroy each other so that Jehoshaphat's men never had to fight the battle! Not much has changed in 3000 years. God is still willing . . . no, not just willing, but wanting to fight our (just) battles. Surrender yourself to God, and then surrender whatever concerns you today; go ahead, he's big enough. What’s more, he’s good enough. And lest you did not read the last Morning Briefing, you have an open invitation to come to Jesus for rest. That link? https://conta.cc/3TbWZOs.

Man, I love a good story, especially when it shows the power of our God wielded through the prayers of the faithful. God wants to fight your battle. Go to him in prayer, surrender what you are carrying and ask him to come and do what only he can do. And.He.will.

A great song reminder: Don't Stop Praying! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpbZqMJ-B44

Keeping the faith, trusting God.

Christine

PastorWoman.net