In this day when words are weighed and criticized, it’s doubtful that any leader would last long who stood before people and admitted a lack of knowing what to do. However, this is exactly what King Jehoshaphat did before the people of Judah when his country was surrounded by three enemies. He called for a time of fasting and prayer by everyone then stood before the people as they gathered and here’s a portion of his prayer:

2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (ESV) ¹⁰ And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—¹¹ behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. ¹² O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

If you will take the time to read the account in 2 Chronicles 20 you will find his prayer is quite inspiring and a good direction in prayer as He thanks God for His promises and for what He has done in the past. The prayer is actually more about God and His promises than the great need at hand.

The result of the prayer was instruction from God that seemed rather unorthodox to say the least: God instructed singers to go before the army, singing praise to God as they went on their way. God did destroy the enemies and blessed the people of Judah with the enemies spoil which was so large it took three days to collect.

God does more than we can ask, think, dream, or imagine when we pray. Jehoshaphat’s humility of admitting he didn’t know what to do was the beginning of God’s solution.

Will you pray? It’s easy to stew, fret, worry, complain, and try to take control but it’s hard to admit we don’t have a solution. The paradox of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shows us the way up is down, the way to be strong is to admit weakness, the way to be wise is to admit we don’t have the answers, and the way to control the situation is complete surrender to God. That takes grace. As we look at the present needs and situations in our church, let’s view them as opportunities to bring us together to pray and surrender to God. Who knows what God will do? One thing for sure, trusting Him with the outcome is more reassuring than trying to make it on our own.

Godspeed,
Pastor Bob