Who do you turn to when times are tough?

I heard recently that who we turn to in a time of crisis is the single most important thing we can know about ourselves. It is more important, even, than what we do. About the same time, I read in II Chronicles 20 the story of Jehoshaphat and the army that was about to attack him.

He lacked resources to defeat the army. II Chronicles 20:12b records Jehoshaphat as sayings, “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.”

Jehoshaphat stood paralyzed in fear and indecision. He lacked options. In desperation he turned the whole problem over to God. The army sang praises (in advance!) to all that God had and would continue to give them. In the morning, they found the invading army dead. That’s the quick version of a mighty story. Read it in II Chronicles 20.

What I gleaned is that God is ready to handle our problems, willing to help us. We need to trust God.

Nice words, but how does it work? I happened to be with a dear friend right after he was fired from his job. Stunned, and not knowing what to do (paralyzed with fear perhaps?), his first words were, “I have to go to my car. I need to spend time in prayer and in God’s word.”

Wow. My first thought would have been what am I going to do, who should I yell at, or how dare they? His actions highlighted the core of his faith, and I have thought of this often and been humbled.

Are you facing a huge army that you lack resources to defeat? Give it to God. Praise Him in advance for the victory.

May you have a great week!

Regina