Yes, I should be packing. I had a really productive day yesterday, doesn't that count for something? Actually, I was catching up on some friend's blogs, and was reminded of the theme of God battling on our behalf.
A friend, Barry, had posted about Exodus 14 where Moses tells the Israelites God has the battle and they will only need to be still. Several of my friends are facing giants in battle here recently, so this has been at the forefront of my little brain. Obviously, packing has not!
One of my favorite battle stories from the Old Testament (II Chron. 20) is when Jehoshaphat is facing what seems like certain destruction by the Moabites, and fellow unpronounceable evil-doers. King Jehoshaphat is told that a vast army is coming and basically has him surrounded. These guys sound like some bad dudes!
Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast for all of Judah and goes before the assembly and prays an amazing prayer. v 12 "For 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."
I've not known what it is like to face vast armies, who are hell-bent on my destruction, or even come close to facing the struggles of many of my friends. I have prayed that very prayer, though. "Lord, I don't know what to do, but my eyes are on you."
The good news is that God is always victorious. The rest of the story tells about a man in the assembly being struck by the Spirit and declared that the battle wasn't theirs, but God's (Where have we heard that before?). He told them they would not have to fight, but sit back and watch the deliverance of the Lord. The coolest part is where the armies of the bad dudes, having them basically surrounded, started turning on each other and completely annihilated each other. Jehoshaphat gets there and sees nothing but dead bodies. Can you imagine? It took Jehoshaphat and his men THREE days to carry off all the loot.
v 19-20 "The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side."
That's the kind of protection I want, and there is only one source for it.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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12 comments:
I can't tell you how many people have reminded me of Biblical examples where men were overwhelmed at the long odds facing them and with God they were alway victorious. I have been there and their is nothing more relieving and peaceful than to know that God will handle it. Why do we spend countless hours worrying when God is on our side. It's like Rex texted me the other day- He who is on our side is stronger than those against us- paraphrased but just another example. When we are reminded of this then we open ourselves to positive things- even the ability to be used by God to defeat the evil one. Many times God uses people like you, Paige, Sherry, Rex, Kelly, etc. Thank you God!
Barry, God will give you rest on every side. I just know it! You will be able to let out the biggest sigh....it'll be so sweet! We are all waiting on that day for you!
I love to see God win. When His people get behind the eight ball (usually because of their own mistakes) He bails them out in the best ways.
I have a hard time understanding why my faith is not just huge. When I look around at all that God has brought me through. All that He has brought others through ... we should have massive faith. And yet each time things get tough ... I start to doubt.
It might be a good idea to follow Jehosophat's example and fast a little bit ... take some time to settle down ... and remember what amazing things God has done from the beginning.
Awesome thoughts friends......can't wait to go to my new church tomorrow. I need that here. Thanks, Sarah.
The last three years I have seen God do amazing things. Defeat enemies. Deliver His people. Move mountains. Part seas. We SHOULD have unshakable faith! But doubts and fears sneak in. Satan finds a little crack in the armor and pries his way in. But those weak spots are getting fewer these days.
I love when God just blasts the enemies!! I've seen it first hand lately in some situations in my life and of my friends. I can't help but stand in awe. Thank you Father for fighting for us. Thank you for the horses and chariots of fire that you place around us!!
Good point, girls. Why isn't our faith ginormous? The Lord has made his strength known on numerous occasions. I know when I have had those moments where the enemy seemed too big, I have just had to read stories like Moses and Jehoshaphat over and over. I'm a slow learner, so it is helpful for me to read and reread. I wish I could tell you why it is so hard for me to see and understand in the midst of the fight!
Do you think Jehoshaphat told his army "I see dead people?" I think I would have!
We know there will be another battle as soon as the last one was fought. God will be there again. Satan will be there again. We give satan the power because he can't do what he used to do because Jesus squashed him via the cross. He can't send demons to possess us, etc anymore. Rex taught a great lesson on that in the wed mens class talking about us having to allow satan to cause us doubt to have any power. I guess we should be like bring it on satan- God is too powerful for you to win. I just get discouraged when I think of the people that enabled satan to take their eternal souls.
For me, placing my eyes upon God takes them off of me. Not that I am a glory hound, but I sure like to have control of things.
Yet, I know in those times when things so hopeless and out of control that the glory is going exactly where it belongs...to HIM!
I just wish I could have the faith to say "Lord I don't know what to do, but my eyes are upon you" much sooner than what I do. If it's "little" I try to do it on my own. But He wants even the little battles doesn't He? The little battle I have with this or the little battle I have with that. How much more rest would I get if I kept my eyes on Him even through the littlest things. Sure would make getting through the bigger things easier.
Good thoughts Sarah.
Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Sara! I was just blog stalking and man am I glad I stopped here! What great thoughts- God has given us so many great examples of what He can do and so many people to remind us of His greatness. I feel so special ed in this area! How many victories will it take for me to get it? Thanks again for being in "battle" with us last week-I really did feel rest on every side with you all there- none of us will ever forget it! :)
"We don't know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." I don't know how many times that was said over the last year. I only know that He came through and seeing Him come through, I eagerly watch for what He has in store--for you, Sherry, Rex, Paige, Barry . . . our family at the Open, friends and beyond . . . me.
What's up with your outdated blog? You'd think you'd been gone for a few weeks with no internet or something. Let me get you started......Have fun moving....reminds of that commercial about helping your friends move. I think its McDonalds....You know the "You neglected to mention the sleeper sofa...."
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