2 Chronicles 20:1-2 “After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea.”
Sometimes is it difficult to even pronounce the names of some of the Old Testament kings and prophets but a study of King Jehoshaphat (Ja-hose-a-fat) gives us insight for our lives today. A quick review of Chapter 19 of the book of Chronicles shows a king that had not followed the exact orders of God and was told about it by the prophet, Jehu. Jehoshaphat talked to the Lord and made changes. He established judges for the nation of Israel and when this was completed, the Lord then blessed the nation immensely.
In our lives we go through periods of time where everything falls right into place and the world seems in perfect harmony. Whenever that happens to us we usually look around and ask, “Life can’t always be this good, so when is it going to end?” Then an event or situation hits us like it did the Israel nation. Not just one nation declared war on them but three at the same time.
In studying history we find that this meant that they were outnumbered five to one on the battlefield. I’d say that was an obstacle bigger than we might encounter. So what did Jehoshaphat do? Let’s read on: 2 Chronicles 20:3 “Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and immediately sought the Lord for guidance.” What a concept! An obstacle is placed in front of him and what did he do? He asked the Lord for guidance!
That advice is a lot easier to read than to do. Often we think we can handle obstacles on our own. We don’t want to bother the Lord with our daily trivia because he has so much bigger things to do. In that thought process we do not truly understand God.
As His children, our daily lives and obstacles are as important as the world leaders and the obstacles they encounter in making decisions for their nations. God is here for everyone! Right now our lives may be going well and everything is great. Still, we need to thank the Lord daily for His blessings and realize that He never forsakes us even when obstacles arise.
Although Jehoshaphat was scared when he heard the bad news, we never have to give into our fears. Instead, let’s do what he did … look to the Lord for guidance. It’s the best relief medicine I know.
Let’s get prepared for any obstacle through that one on one relationship with the Lord.
