One of my favorite scenes from the 90’s movie “The Little Rascals” is when their clubhouse is on fire. Porky and Buckwheat run to a pay phone and Buckwheat says, “Quick! What’s the number to 911?” Porky shrugs and says, “I don’t know!” I remember a time when we had the police and fire numbers posted by the telephone. If you had an emergency, you had to call specific numbers to get them. Then 911 came along and made it easier to get help when you need it. I’ve had to call 911 a few times to get help. Some times when I call it they let me know that they are aware of the situation already and help has been dispatched. I love how quickly they answer the call and how quickly they get help to where it’s needed.
In 2 Chronicles 20, it was reported to Jehoshaphat that a vast army was headed for them and had already taken one of their cities. Verse 3 says, “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the Lord for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country” (GNT). People came from all over Judah to Jerusalem to stand in the courtyard of the Temple to pray and seek God for help. While they were praying, the Spirit of God came over a Levite and he said, “Your Majesty and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you.” He told them to show up for battle and God would take care of it and that’s what happened.
Psalm 18:6 says, “In my trouble I called to the Lord; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.” When we need help, God is there to listen and respond. Many times we simply cry out, but in times of desperation, it’s good to be like Jehoshaphat. We need to fast and wait to hear from God. Our minds want to do something immediately, but often we act before seeking what God wants. Remember your solution depends on God not you. He may ask you to step out in faith, but the real work is done by Him in response to our prayers and humility understanding that the answer is beyond our control. If you need help or guidance in what to do today, take time to stand in His presence seeking Him, His will and His help. I encourage you to go read the entire story in 2 Chronicles 20 today.
Photo by Vasiliy Skuratov on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 