This morning I am sitting in the surgery waiting room eager to hear my husband’s surgery is completed. My thoughts go to all the battles we have faced this year. Many have seemed hopeless, with no victory in sight. You know those kind of battles that feel like the weight of the world is upon your chest and you can’t catch a breath? Yea, those battles.
Conflict, illness, heartache, loved ones unhealthy choices, life, finances and so much more are just some of the battles we faced.
Moments later, a priest comes in and prays for his parishioner in the row behind me. She is waiting to be called back for her surgery. He prays for peace and against all fear. I sit silently as I agree with his prayers for this teenage girl and for my husband.
I have my bible open in front of me and am researching the word “Believe”, the word God has given me for 2018. I turn to 2 Chronicles and I read verse 20. Now, I’m not sure if you are like me, but I always have to read back in the scriptures to see the full story to understand the meaning behind a scripture.
Jehoshaphat, who was king over Judah, faced a battle that seemed insurmountable to him and Judah. The people of Moab, the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1). When Jehoshaphat found out this great multitude was coming against him and Judah, Jehoshaphat was immediately filled with fear.
Today what battles are you facing?
Do you feel that an army is out to destroy you, your family, your marriage, your ministry….you fill in the blank.
Sometimes in life we face battles that seem so overwhelming, so enormous, you question how you will survive? Much like a mammoth mountain before you, with no tools to cross over, one could sit down, become discouraged and give up all hope.
Jehoshaphat immediately brought the people of Judah to God and called out a fast. He didn’t sit down with his advisors and ask them what he should do. He didn’t call his friend and share the battles he was facing. He didn’t post on Facebook what was happening, yes I know Facebook wasn’t around then, but do you get where I’m going? All are good things to do, but in our battles we need to do the right thing, not just the good things.
Who do you go to first in a battle?
Have you considered prayer and fasting for the battle you are facing?
Are you leaning into Jesus during your battle or have you become discouraged and have lost hope for victory?
Jehoshaphat went to God first. He desired to lead as a king who leaned upon God first. Yes, he made some poor choices before this, but his heart had been to honor God. Today, regardless of what battle you are facing – yes I get it for some of us they are mammoth size battles – I encourage you to take some time to fast and pray, seeking God for direction and wisdom.
For me, I am thankful for God’s loving presence in the midst of our storms, for His peace that surrounds me like a warm comforting blanket, and the knowledge that we are not alone even in the midst of mammoth size battles.
Blessings dear friends,
P.S. My husband is doing well after having a total hip replacement. Thank you for your prayers friends <3