Key scripture -“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Mennonites came to wage war against Jephoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar (that is En Gedi)’. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of The Lord; and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from The Lord; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek Him.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-4).

Have you felt totally helpless? Can you remember facing a situation or emergency in which you were completely powerless? Can you remember a time when you received news that was so bad that you didn’t even know what to do?

That is a sobering experience for anyone. The Key scripture today describes a situation when King Jehoshaphat faced a moment like that, “After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Mennonites came to wage war against Jephoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar (that is En Gedi)’.

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of The Lord; and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from The Lord; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek Him.

“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

Three different armies had joined forces to destroy Israel. As the King listened to the report “a great multitude” of attackers were already on their way. (V.2). What was King Jehoshaphat’s response? Verse 3 tells us he was “afraid”. That makes perfect sense – he no doubt felt utterly powerless. However, even in that moment of helplessness, he knew exactly what to do.

The Bible doesn’t say “Jehoshaphat was afraid and ran away” or “Jehoshaphat was afraid but charged headlong into battle under his own understanding, strength and power.” Instead, the Bible tells us that “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek The Lord.”

That was the perfect response to a helpless situation. The King knew this was neither the time to give up nor the time to take action on his own that was motivated by fear. Instead, he did the only wise thing he could – he prayed and fasted. More than that, he asked others to pray and fast, and suddenly the whole situation changed because God had been brought into a hopeless situation.

“O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

When we feel helpless, the first words out of our mouth should be “Our Father in Heaven, help me. I am so weak but You are strong. I do not know what to do. I never saw this coming. I am afraid but instead of shrinking back or running away, I run to and cling to You because You are the Lord God Almighty the Creator of Heaven and Earth and nothing is impossible for You. I will not fear because You are with me. I will not doubt because You are in control.” From then on, helplessness and fear will not be an issue because God will protect you, guide you, and provide what you need at exactly the right time and in the right way.
“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel… And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You 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.” Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” (2 Chronicles 20:14, 15-19).

Pray this -Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You that You are God and I am not. Thank You that You will never ever forsake or abandon me. Thank You for Your love, compassion, kindness, and patience. Thank You that You are always with me. Thank You that You are in control. Thank You that because of You I do not have to shrink back and live in fear and doubt. Thank You that I can always come before You in prayer and all that I have to do is call out to You. Thank You that I can turn all my burdens and problems over to You. Thank You that I do not have to live in helplessness, because I have You. Thank You that I am not powerless because of You. Thank You that I do not have to live in discouragement and despair, no matter what I am facing, because I have You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.