Don’t Worry, Kneel
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Excited to see my daughter was calling, I joyfully answered the call.
Don’t you hate to hear the voice on the other end of the phone begin the conversation with, “Mom, I don’t want you to worry, but….”
After a brief heart flip, I knew what to do. I don’t worry, I kneel. As the conversation continued, I was checking my armor, preparing for battle, and taking my stand as the Lord instructed Jehoshaphat.
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat was told that a great army came to wage war against him. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord and proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people came together to seek help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat prayed. He proclaimed God as the power and might, and that no one can withstand Him, and proclaimed God’s faithfulness to them through many previous battles. Jehoshaphat expressed faith with his fear when he told the Lord they have no power to face this vast army attacking them. But he told the Lord, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV).
Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel, and he said: “Listen King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” As the message continued with instructions, God told them that they would not have to fight this battle. “Take up your positions and stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV).
Jehoshaphat first sent forth a “choir” toward the battlefront saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21 NIV). They moved forward in songs of praise, and when they reached the battlefield there were only dead bodies and so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.
God is able to do exceedingly above all we ask or think according to the power that works in us (paraphrase Ephesians 3:20).
Okay, Lord, that is okay with me. You already know the outcome I desire. You can do something about this, and I cannot. You are infinite, I am only finite. This is Your battle, not mine. I choose to trust You completely with this situation. Please increase my faith. I will cheer You on, Lord. Intervene, and go forth, doing what only You can do.
This just brings a multitude of examples to mind in my own life. I don’t consider myself to be a ‘prayer warrior’ but that doesn’t keep the Lord from blessing me with answers that are wonderful! Praise the Lord!
I personally count on these Scriptures and verifications and apply them to all the ‘bad news that comes over the air waves’ and do not fret, nor get angry at those who are ignorant of Who is really in control. My life is much more peaceful when I look at examples in Scripture as evidence of the truth of God’s Word. God Bless and Keep you all.