Judah was under attack.
Several years before this, the nation of Israel had split into two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Israel mostly turned its back on God, a decision which would lead to its destruction. Judah, on the other hand, tended to bounce back and forth between kings who honored God and those who worshiped foreign deities. Like Israel before it, Judah would eventually pay for its reluctance to follow God, being led into captivity in Babylon some 130 years or so after Israel’s fall.
This particular challenge came during the time of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. Jehoshaphat was one of kings who feared and honored God, and during his reign, Judah prospered. Yet here they were, with the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites assembled against them. These were peoples whom Israel had not wiped out when they took control of the promise land, and now they were uniting against Judah to wipe them out. Jehoshaphat was afraid, as he know Judah could not stand up to such a vast army. There was only one way his people could survive this, and that was with the help of the Lord.
Jehoshaphat called the people to seek God and proclaimed a fast. People from far away cities gathered in Jerusalem at God’s temple to seek Him. Then, in the midst of the assembly, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord in prayer.
In his prayer, Jehoshaphat proclaimed no one could stand against God as He drove their enemies out of the promised land. He also pointed out how the lands God had forbidden them from invading were now banning together against His chosen people.
“Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance. 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 20:10-12
Jehoshaphat did not have to wait long for his answer. In the middle of the congregation, Jahaziel spoke for the Lord, advising that they would not have to fight this battle. The next morning, Jehoshaphat assembled the people and picked a group of them to lead the assembly by singing and praising God. As they marched, the Lord sent an ambush within the enemy camp, making them fight each other till every last one was wiped out. By the time the people of Judah had reached the enemy camp, they were all dead, and only the spoils remained.
Like Judah, we are facing many difficult challenges here at The Way. Our future is uncertain. It could consist of a full church rebuild, merging with another church, or any number of directions we as of yet cannot see. In the midst of all these questions and trials, it can be easy to give into fear and despair.
Yet we can learn from Jehoshaphat’s example in Scripture. He was afraid; any king in his place would have been. He knew, however, that God was greater than both his fear and the battle that he faced. We can rest in that promise as well, knowing that God’s will is going to win in the end, no matter how hard the road in front of us may be. Just as Jehoshaphat was willing to pray “We do not know what to do, but we look to you,” we can look to God to lead us in these tough times.
What does that look like for us? Let’s take a look at Jehoshaphat’s example:
- Fasting: Don mentioned this at the last Family Meeting. Fasting is a way to bring focus to God, as anytime we think of what we are depriving ourselves, we are reminded to pray. Fasting is not limited to just food. You can fast from anything that is a normal part of your life, taking that time to pray and focus on God.
- Gathering with the Saints: This is not a battle we can fight on our own. During this difficult time, it is more important than ever to meet with fellow Bible believing Christians on a regular basis. This is not just limited to Sunday Mornings, nor is it limited to just meeting with members of The Way, though at this time I would encourage you to meet with other church members as well. Any time spent with those who also rely on God will help strengthen your faith in Him.
- Pray: Right now, we need prayer more than anything. So often, we have a tendency to think of prayer as a last resort, saying things like “All I can really do is pray for the situation.” When we are saying that, what we are truly saying is all we can do is speak to the Creator of the universe Who knows the situation better than we ever can and knows what needs to be done. Prayer should be our first resort, both to ask for God to move in the situation and, sometimes even more importantly, for Him to move in our hearts.
- Praise God: No matter what happens going forward, we should always be praising God. Praise Him for who He is. Praise Him for sending His Son. Praise Him for what He has done through The Way and Sunrise Mountain Baptist before it over the years. Praise Him for what He will continue to do, no matter what direction He leads His church.
I honestly believe that by following Jehoshaphat’s example, we too will be able to keep our eyes on God and what He wants to do with our church. While I cannot say I know what the future holds for us, we all know Who holds the future, and that should bring us great comfort.
Lord, we at The Way Fellowship Church do not know what to do, but we look to You.