Based on “Don’t Know What to Do – God Does” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/2-3/10,
Message #MB402; Daily Devotional #2 - “The Prayer of Jehoshaphat”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). (2 Chronicles 20:1-2) Talk about a bad report! Not only was a vast army coming, it was well on its way to wipe out Judah. One might have expected King Jehoshaphat to call an emergency meeting of his Joint Chiefs of Staff to map out an immediate battle plan. Instead, he looked to his Commander in Chief, almighty God Himself. His fear turned his attention to seek the only One Who could deliver his nation. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah. The nation gathered together to seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Little did they know that at that moment, a divine strategy for victory had been set into motion. The earnest prayer of their leader opened a gateway for God to deliver them in a way that would be seen by all as coming from the hand of God.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Jehoshaphat stood among the assembly and prayed as he had never prayed before. He reminded God of His absolute power and might and His past victories and deliverances of His people (2 Chronicles 20:6-7). He proclaimed their confidence in God to deliver them as they cried out to Him in this time of danger (2 Chronicles 20:9). He stated the present threat against them (2 Chronicles 20:10-11). He admitted their powerlessness against the enemy, and reaffirmed that their eyes were on Him (2 Chronicles 20:12). As Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s power and might and faithfulness to His people, he acknowledged Judah’s total dependence on God to deliver them. He acknowledged their need to keep their eyes fixed on God. In the midst of this earnest outpouring of faith, God showed up! The Spirit of the Lord prophesied through Jahaziel …Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:15, NKJV). God brought victory to Judah without one of them fighting for it.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The elements of Jehoshaphat’s prayer are illustrated in Proverbs: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB) We may not have an army of enemies physically marching toward us, but we do experience our own spiritual warfare, something we cannot fight on our own. We need to bring our struggles to God in the same way that Jehoshaphat did. Acknowledge His greatness and His sovereignty over every situation and that nothing is too difficult for God. Remember how He has directed you in the past. Remember that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Trust Him to make your paths straight and expect Him to do more than you can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 50:15; Isaiah 55:6-11
klw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New King James Version = NKJV; New American Standard Bible = NASB.