Have you ever had a situation in your life where it seemed there were no easy answers to how to “fix it?” The kind of situation that costs you sleep, causes you to worry, and creates tension in your body? At Friday night’s camp closing program a conflict occurred that I’m still trying to work through. It involves two people on the camp staff whom I dearly love and some very upset parents. In my exhausted state yesterday I couldn’t think straight about what to do and I kept telling God that, if it’s his camp, it’s his problem. So he had to fix it.
In 2 Chronicles 20 there’s a story of three armies that have joined together to take out God’s people. They are encamped, ready to strike, and the Israelites – outnumbered and frightened – go to God for help.
“Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.” (2 Chronicles 20:2-4 NLT)
The people of Israel, led by King Jehoshaphat, cried out to the Lord for help and he answered through one of the prophets.
“[T]he Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah..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. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NLT)
The Lord answered their cry for help. And late last night he answered my cry for help with an idea that, hopefully, will calm the surging seas and help resolve the conflict. I didn’t even have to fight – just go to God, listen, and wait.
“[After the enemies were defeated] all the [Israelite] men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” (2 Chronicles 20:27-30 NLT)
Now, like the Israelites, I rejoice in the answer that God has given me.
Victorious God,
Thank you for the faith you give us to meet the challenges of life. Thank you that we can go to you for help, wisdom, ideas, plans, and strength. Today in whatever challenges each of us face, give us what we need to meet them and to walk the path you have for us. We rejoice in the victories you give us. In Jesus’s name, amen.