What steps can you take to trust God in challenging situations like Jehoshaphat? The Scene: God Supplies Beyond Need “Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to collect the plunder, and they found among them an abundance of goods and valuables on the bodies—and precious articles. They took for themselves more than they could carry. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.” (2 Chronicles 20:25) Step 1 – Seek God First, Not Last • 2 Chronicles 20:3: “Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the LORD.” • Put prayer and fasting at the top of the crisis list, not the bottom (Psalm 34:4; Matthew 6:33). • Choosing God as the immediate refuge redirects fear into faith. Step 2 – Remember God’s Past Faithfulness • 2 Chronicles 20:6-9: Jehoshaphat recounts past victories and covenant promises. • Rehearse personal “Ebenezers” (1 Samuel 7:12) and God’s track record (Psalm 103:2). • Memory fuels confidence that the same God will act again. Step 3 – Admit Helplessness & Ask Boldly • 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We are powerless… Our eyes are on You.” • Honest weakness invites God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16). • Trust grows when we stop pretending we can manage the battle ourselves. Step 4 – Listen to the Word and Believe • 2 Chronicles 20:14-17: Jahaziel’s Spirit-inspired message: “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” • Receive Scripture as literally true, because every word is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). • Proverbs 3:5-6 calls for full-hearted trust in what God says, not what circumstances shout. Step 5 – Worship Before the Battle • 2 Chronicles 20:18-22: Praise teams march ahead of swords. • Worship declares confidence that victory is already settled (Acts 16:25; Psalm 22:3). • Singing truth aloud strengthens faith and silences fear. Step 6 – Obey in Faith-Filled Action • 2 Chronicles 20:20: “Believe in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; believe His prophets and you will succeed.” • Faith is proved by forward steps (James 2:17; Joshua 6:2-5). • Move in the direction God directs, even when logic says stay put. Step 7 – Stand Still and Watch • 2 Chronicles 20:17: “Stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD.” • Resting is not passivity but confident expectation (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 46:10). • Let God fight the portion you cannot touch. Step 8 – Gather the Blessing, Give God the Glory • 2 Chronicles 20:25: Three days of overflow—more than they could carry. • God loves to answer with abundance (Malachi 3:10; Ephesians 3:20). • Collect the evidence of His goodness and acknowledge Him publicly. Step 9 – Let the Testimony Ripple Outward • 2 Chronicles 20:29: “The fear of God came on all the kingdoms… when they heard.” • Your victory story encourages others (Matthew 5:16; Psalm 126:2-3). • Share how God showed up so faith multiplies beyond your circle. Putting It All Together 1. Seek God immediately. 2. Recall His past deeds. 3. Confess your need. 4. Embrace His Word as final. 5. Worship before results appear. 6. Obey the specific direction given. 7. Stand still and trust His power. 8. Receive and steward the blessing. 9. Spread the story of His faithfulness. Follow these steps and watch the Lord turn overwhelming odds into unforgettable victories—just as He did for Jehoshaphat. |
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