It is true that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. As things get more challenging, it is important to know that I may have to stand up and work harder to accomplish the tasks set before me. But, there is also the opportunity for us to stand firm, praise God and allow Him to do His part and not take it all on for myself.
Jehoshaphat was in a position of being taken over by the tribes around him and the people of Judah. He found himself and the people in an impossible situation. He turned to God for help.
“3Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.” — 2 Chronicles 21:3-4 (ESV)
Not only did Jehoshaphat turn to the LORD, but he engaged all of Judah to do the same. He lead the people in the seeking of God and His help and guidance in the situation they were facing. And God responded through the Spirit of the LORD.
“’17You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” — 2 Chronicles 21:17 (ESV)
The Spirit of the LORD made it clear that there would be no need to actually fight in the battle, that God would take care of it for them. Although this would be true, there was action required of Jehoshaphat and the people. They were to show up and stand against the enemy. They were to be there, present for the fight and demonstrating their willingness to do the work. They were to Stand in the presence of the enemy.
When the time came, Jehoshaphat and the people did just that. They went and stood firm to demonstrate they were ready to fight, as the Spirit of the LORD directed. When they arrived, they stood and praised God.
“20And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.’ 21And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.’” — 2 Chronicles 21:20-21 (ESV)
In this instance as with instances in my life, I have to be willing to stand firm and praise God, knowing that He will lead, comfort, protect, and provide. The enemy was defeated that day, not at the had of Judah, but at the hand of God. The people stood firm and praised God for what they knew He would do, all the while ready to do their part if/when called to do so.
What is going on in your life that you are taking into your hands that maybe God will take care of for you you? Are you even willing to do the work at all? What if you were to listen and be at the ready as you stand firm and praise God and allowed Him to do His work in and for you?
Trevor's Thoughts 