Every day, I try to ignore the ugly, gigantic, round sign on our front lawn with the bright, bold words that read “For Sale.” Not only are the aesthetics an eyesore for our beautiful casita (small home in Spanish) but every time I see the sign, I feel my heart break more and more. Selling our home is not a decision my husband and I wanted to make; it’s one we were forced into due to financial hardships. And we’re not the only family facing these impossible decisions. . .
From trying to feed three growing teenagers who seem to consume endless amounts of food, to rising costs on everything, and finding myself between jobs, I often think, “I don’t know what to do.”
Some days, I feel confident enough to approach the throne of the Lord with boldness, asking Him and trusting in Him for all I need, thanking Him for all He’s already done, and eagerly awaiting His response to the things that remain. I feel confident as I trust His timing and His perfect will.
However, there are also days when I am convinced God is ignoring my prayers and takes pleasure in watching me struggle. Even though I know this is a complete lie from the enemy, sister, it sometimes still feels true. It’s still easy to believe I’m the only one who sees the reality of a situation and wonders, Where is God in all of this? How am I going to get through it? Where are you, God? I don’t know what to do!
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find the story of King Jehoshaphat leading the nation of Judah through a major crisis. A large army made up of Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites from Mount Seir came to attack Judah. There is so much in this chapter that amazes me about King Jehoshaphat — his faith, his audacity, and his trust in the Lord. This is what King Jehoshaphat says in his distress;
“Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 CSB
It’s clear that King Jehoshaphat had this urgent question for the Lord, almost like asking, “Aren’t you going to do something about this?” He also recognized his current situation and understood that he lacked the power to overcome it. What King Jehoshaphat knew was that his strength and victory came from the Almighty God — “We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
Even in His distress, King Jehoshaphat chose a posture of humility, surrender, and complete trust in the Lord.
As I read this passage multiple times, I had to grapple with the posture of my own heart regarding my current situation. I’ve had to accept that I don’t have all the answers and won’t ever have them all. That’s never been my job. Although my present circumstances are real and carry uncomfortable implications, I can acknowledge them, feel my emotions when they arise, and still surrender everything as I look to Jesus. We are not called to figure it all out — grasping for a false sense of control — but we’ve been invited to place all our cares in the hands of the One who already has it all figured out.
Oh friend, I know this is sometimes easier said than done. I, too, have cried out in desperation to Jesus, tired and depleted, asking how much longer, Lord?. I’ve declared I believe, but in the same breath, I ask Jesus to help me in my unbelief.
After King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah pray for help against the invading armies, they receive God’s instructions:
“You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’”
2 Chronicles 20:17 CSB
The word of the Lord to King Jehoshaphat was clear that day — and it’s the same word we can embrace today. Here are some things I believe the Lord is speaking to us.
1. “You do not have to fight this battle.”
Sister, we may be facing tough times, but let’s remember we don’t need to fight just for the hope of a victory. No, sister, we fight from a place of victory! God’s got this — He’s fighting for us!
2. “Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
In the midst of our impossible circumstances, I pray we would choose humility, surrender, and complete trust in the Lord. May He grant us peace in the waiting, knowing our redeemer lives. May the Lord open our eyes to see that Jesus, our Saviour, is here!
3. “Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
Let’s commit to not allowing fear to dictate our faith. Let’s not lose confidence in a God that remains faithful.
Amiga, I may not understand how tough your situation is, but I believe in the God who knows your circumstances completely, and He never leaves you. Even if you’re unsure what to do, God knows, so keep turning to Him for strength. As you face tomorrow, I leave you with the words the Lord spoke to King Jehoshaphat: “Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”
Keep going, friend. Face tomorrow confidently, for the Lord is with you.
Reader Interactions
No Comments
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Be the first to leave a comment.