2005-12-20 - More than a Conqueror
Part 2
Quick Sum-Up
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(vs 2) God will prepare you for His works, often times by giving us a head's
up.
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(vs 3) Jehoshaphat knew the same power fear can have over all of us during
the storms of life. We can use his example to choose to seek the Lord, instead
of allowing our fear to control us and our actions.
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(vs 5-7) Proclaim the Lord's goodness, faithfulness and His incomparable
compassion and power. Bring to mind God's past deliverances and promises
kept. (Nelson's NKJV vs6-12; 13:5,12) [success requires God's favor. If God
is for you, you can not lose.]
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(vs 9) God still inhabits His temples…His children. "if disaster comes
upon us –sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine- we will stand before
this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry
out to You in our affliction, and you will hear and save."
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(vs 12) "Them" = powers of darkness, not flesh and blood Jehoshaphat acknowledges
in front of everyone, including wives, children, and little ones - that he
doesn't know what to do or how to handle it. Yet he shows reemphasis in his
faith. This is a lesson for all of us. Men, do not be too proud to fall down
before the Lord in front of your family. They need to see how much you trust
and rely on Him for everything. Women, do not be intimidated; also let your
children see you crying out to the Lord God. It is vital for us to teach
our children that there are times there is nothing we can do, but look to
God, wait for His answer, and simply trust.
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(vv 14-17) God still speaks to us today, reminding us to listen to His voice,
His words. We do not have to feel overwhelmed by our circumstances…for
the battle is not ours, but God's.
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Go ahead, face your battles. You don't need to turn away or do nothing because
you are either too fearful to face it. Remember, you do not need to fight
the battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the
Lord, who is with you.
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Interesting Note: (Dictionary.com) Dismayed is defined as: to destroy the
courage or resolution of by exciting dread or apprehension, to cause to lose
enthusiasm, disillusion; to upset or alarm; and a sudden or complete loss
of courage in the face of trouble or danger. Thesaurus gives synonyms such
as: aghast, alarmed, anxious, cowardly, disheartened, horrified, intimidated,
perplexed, and suspicious.
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The Lord repeats to us "Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with
you. (against…an unusual term when they themselves are not fighting).
Again, "them" refers to the powers of darkness. This is the reason the battle
is not ours.
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Go ahead, face your battles. You don't need to turn away or do nothing because
you are either too fearful to face it. Remember, you do not need to fight
the battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the
Lord, who is with you.
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(vs 19) Get out of your prayer closets, and show your family the truth of
God's word! There is a time for your prayer closet, and there is a time to
come out, to be an example for others. A battle is not won alone! AFTER the
king humbled himself before God, THEN the others followed and stood up to
praise God "with voices loud and high."
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(vs20) As you begin to face your challenges, the Lord will continue encourage
you. "Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe
His prophets and you shall prosper." He encouraged them more than once to
BELIEVE. God speaks to us directly, because now He lives within us. If someone
gives you a word, receive it (always double check with God, He will confirm
it within you) but you don't have to receive a word from someone else to
hear God's voice. Just listen. (Nelson's notes: success in Serving god requires
complete trust in Him. See John 14:1)
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(vs 21-24) Set aside your feelings (acknowledge them, but don't allow them
to control your responses). CHOSE to trust and praise Him for the victory
you can't see or even imagine. Before you reach your battlefield, the battle
will have already begun. With faith and trust, once you reach the overlook,
you will see God's promised word fulfilled. Understand God's message: He
can and will accomplish everything for His children, even without their help.
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Praise, Sing, and thank Him for the outcome, because we already know that
ALL things work together for good to those that love Him. That's a promise,
not just a statement. It's a contract by God Himself.
See also: vs16 see 2 Sam 23:12; vs22-23 see Ex 23:27; vs22 see Ex 11:7-8 Exodus 23:20-23; 2 Kings 2:13-17; Joshua 9:15 - 10:14; Heb 13:5;
John 14:27 His peace is a spiritual peace, and his rest is one that operates in the midst of the storm – not in its absence.
(And Kirk Franklin's song, "STOMP," ministers to me in this area.)
Comments or Questions?
Cheryl
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