Trusting God's Plan in the Battle: Lessons From the Life of JehoshaphatEsimerkki

Day 12 - Inquiring of God

It’s happening! Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah are in some serious trouble! Picture not one, but three mighty armies marching to attack them. When Jehoshaphat hears this news, he’s alarmed! And who wouldn’t blame him? This invasion seemed to come out of nowhere.

What Jehoshaphat does next is something you and I can do any time we are facing a problem, either big or small. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20: 3

Did you notice that word resolved? It means to make a firm decision to do something.

Jehoshaphat was determined to go to the one authority who could do something about his situation. He inquired of the Lord to see what God had to say about this problem and to receive direction from his Heavenly Father. Maybe Jehoshaphat finally learned his lesson to seek God for everything and obey what He says! Remember that Jehoshaphat almost got killed when he allied with King Ahab after the prophet Micaiah told him they’d be defeated? Jehoshaphat wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice!

We can also see how serious Jehoshaphat is to hear from God because he proclaimed a nation-wide fast! Fasting is the spiritual practice of giving up food and drinks for a period of time to humble oneself and seek God. This sacrifice to oneself is a means of drawing closer to God and seeking His help.

“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 20:4

The people of Judah were in a desperate situation, and they needed God to show them what to do. They needed His help right away! They left their homes and gathered in Jerusalem at the temple to pray and seek God as one united nation.

So, if trouble comes your way, your first call shouldn’t be to a friend, parent, coworker, or spouse. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have some godly counsel when you have a problem. But your first call should be to God. Cry out to Him, seek His wisdom and direction. Ask what you should do. Ask for His help! Then sit humbly before Him and listen to what He says!

Questions:

1. What is your typical way of handling problems?

2. Do you go to God first, or do you reserve the right to reach out to him when things get really bad?

3. How do you think Jehoshaphat’s past mistakes changed how he handled this situation?