The Best Position

I love how God meets us in our places of need. When we cry out to Him, expressing our deep needs, longing to hear from Him, listening ... He always meets us. He brings beauty to our despair, and brightens our path. 

In a recent time of discouragement regarding some trials we are going through, when I was needing to hear from Him in a kind of desperate way, I was reminded so clearly of His great power and grace ... perfectly adequate for any trial and concern we may carry.

Reading now in II Chronicles in my journey of reading through the Bible, I came across an amazing story. When King Jehoshaphat found himself faced with a vast army coming against Judah, he desperately sought God's help and heard these words through a Levite whom God had chosen to speak through:

"Do not be afraid! 

Don't be discouraged by this vast army,

 for the battle is not yours, but God's ... 

you will not even need to fight. 

Take your positions; 

then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. 

He is with you ... 

do not be afraid or discouraged." 

(from II Chronicles 20:15-17)

As Judah's armies assembled to face the enemy, singers were selected and placed in the front, praising God with these words: "Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" (II Chronicles 20:21) 

From the moment the enemy heard the singing, they began fighting among themselves, completely destroying their own armies. Judah's army proceeded to pick up the plunder, praising God for the victory, calling the place the Valley of Blessing. And the result ... "when all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord Himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them." (II Chronicles 20:29)

When faced with trials, when burdened for a loved one ... we can "take our position" and watch God bring victory. Take our position of ... praying and seeking God, and praising Him, even in the midst of trials. And He will bring the victory.  

"Can a sinner be turned into a saint? Can a twisted life be made right? ... It is much easier to do something than to trust in God ..." (My Utmost for His Highest)  Of course, we are to be active, following God's instructions for whatever He tells us to do as we face a trial, or as we intercede for someone. But we often act as if we are the ones to bring the victory, and we are not. We are simply to take the right position, and God is the One who will bring the victory. He has done it in the past, and He will do it again. 

Lord, thank You for always meeting us in our places of need, when we are desperate for Your help. I choose to take my position, and to trust You to bring victory. All by Your power and Your grace ... You alone are the One who brings victory. And I thank You for trials which make You and Your power so clearly evident. Not us, but YOU ...

Linked to Imperfect Prose

Linked to Walk with Him Wednesdays

Also linked to Brag on God Friday's at Beholding Glory