Based on “Step out in Faith; Sing out in Thanks” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
1/16-01/17, Message #MB404; Daily Devotional #5 - “Humble Yourself”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. (2 Chronicles 20:18) I wanted to refresh my mind on King Jehoshaphat, so I read a couple of the chapters that preceded this one. Earlier on, King Jehoshaphat made an alliance with King Ahab of Israel to attack another city. They summoned the prophets, and all but one told them they would be successful in the battle. Micaiah told them that they would not be victorious. Because he spoke the truth, King Ahab threw the prophet in prison. King Ahab wanted the prophet to speak only what he wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat went with him into battle anyway. The Lord disciplined Jehoshaphat for his actions, but also commended him on his heart being right in seeking after the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:1-3).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The Lord allowed the danger of the invasion by Moab, Ammon, and the Meunites upon Judah. Jehoshaphat had previously gone into battle of his own free will and tried to seek alliance with men, versus seeking reliance on God. The Lord wanted to show Judah that God would be their protector and deliverer in their time of need. When the King and people of Judah humbled themselves before the Lord and obeyed His commands, the Lord defeated the enemy for them in a miraculous way. The army of Judah didn’t have to lift a finger, let alone a sword. The Lord protected His own.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): This story should give you and me great joy and peace. Just as the Lord protected Judah from an invading army, He will protect us as well. We all blow it at times, but, if we humble ourselves before Him and seek Him wholeheartedly, He will direct our steps and be there in our greatest time of need. I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy. He listened so intently as I laid out my case before him. Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn't know which way to turn; then I called out to God for help: "Please, God!" I cried out. "Save my life!" God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. (Psalm 116:1-6, MSG). You have nothing to fear. All we are required to do is have faith in what He says and worship Him for who He is. We need to get into a habit of thanking Him for all He has done and all He will do on our behalf. There will be times in our lives where we will be in the midst of an impossible situation. Call on the Lord with humility and worship, and He will show you that nothing is impossible for Him.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 11:1; Joshua 1:8; 2 Chronicles 20:17-24
HS
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.
The Message Bible = MSG.