"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33 AMPC)
Life can be challenging, and Jesus told us it would be. Yet we find ourselves surprised when faced with challenges. Since we know they are coming why not prepare beforehand? Jesus already told us He has overcome the world. He has deprived it of power to harm us and has conquered it for us. Knowing the challenges, we face cannot destroy us, it should help us to face them from a place of praise.
Like Jehoshaphat, when surrounded on all sides - seemingly no way out - He cried out to God saying:
"We don't know what to do but our eyes are on YOU!" (2 Chronicles 20:12b AMPC)
We must keep our eyes on Him, and not our circumstances because He requires us to:
"Walk by faith and not by sight!" (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 NKJV)
Even when faced with a seemingly no-win situation Jehoshaphat feared. Fear is normal and will happen. It’s what we do after the fear that will set the stage for our victory or our defeat.
Let’s look at what Jehoshaphat did:
He called a fast.
Told God about His goodness.
Reminded God of His promises, and
Put His eyes on Him, in other words he focused on God.
He asked for God’s help, declared they could not fight this battle alone, and most importantly admitted they did not know what to do but they were keeping their eyes on Him. They humbled themselves.
Keep your eyes on God. He's moving you through it so you can get to it! He loves you so much! You're stronger than you think and each time you go through a challenge allowing yourself to lean on Him you get even stronger! Always remember, you and God are a majority.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].” (Psalm 91:1 AMPC)
This is when God got involved in their circumstances.
And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s." (2 Chronicles 20:15 NKJV)
After saying this God, laid out the plan for their victory!
Even in the midst of fear, and overwhelming circumstances, God has a solution because He is our Solution! He is never caught by surprise!
Let’s do what Jehoshaphat did and praise our way out of the challenges right into victory!
"But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume." (2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated from the Vault of LWM)