I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
These are the words that I came across this past week while reading the story of King Jehoshaphat (in 2 Chronicles 20)! And once again, God used my time reading through the Bible to bring me hope & encouragement! For there have been so many times (just in the past 24 hours) that those words spoken by Jehoshaphat have been my own words… “I don’t know what to do, Lord… help!!!”
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Maybe, you can relate…
When the baby is crying, the toddler is screaming & the others are trying to be heard above the noise…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When a phone call comes late at night & “Are you sitting down?” are the first words spoken from the caller’s lips…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When your husband comes home in the middle of the day & asks if you are ready for some shocking news…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When complaining & whining & arguing are the sounds that flood your ears first thing in the morning…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When the choices for schooling are completely overwhelming…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When you look at your schedule & realize there isn’t enough time in the day to fit everything in…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When you see the same disobedience in your child over & over & over & over again…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When one (or all) of your babies are sick…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When your little one decides to throw a temper tantrum in front of the whole church…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When you’ve been wronged by another…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When you’ve failed…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
When band-aids & lollipops are not enough to heal the hurt in a loved one’s life…
I do not know what to do, but I am looking to You for help!
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For Jehoshaphat, a mighty army had just declared war on Judah & he was TERRIFIED!! He – along with all the men of Judah- came before the Lord with their little ones, wives & children {I love how they ALL came- little ones included}! They came powerless & begging for guidance.
And they cried out…
“We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” (vs. 12)
Other versions read…
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
They all came before God. They took their eyes off of themselves & looked onto the only One who could truly help them!
And God heard them & sent a message to them… “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged {{clearly there is a reason God has to keep reminding me of this over & over again}} by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (vs. 15) He then went on to explain that they would not even need to fight this vast army, for God was with them!
What they did need to do was to…
TAKE THEIR POSITIONS,
STAND STILL
& WATCH THE LORD’S VICTORY!
So, the next morning, the army went out- they took their positions- with singers walking ahead of the army praising God. And at the very moment they began to sing & give praise to God, the Lord caused the other armies to fight among themselves. When the army of Judah arrived at the look-out point- they looked & saw that every one of their enemies was slaughtered on the ground! What an incredible display of the Lord’s victory!!!
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And, that is what is needed when I just don’t know what to do… To first, call upon the Lord, begging Him for guidance & help! And then, to go out & take my position {not stay hiding in my room- like I would much rather do!}, with an attitude & a heart of praise. And then to stand still & watch the Lord’s victory! And, wow!! His victories are amazing… maybe it is through patience to wait, strength to give a gentle answer, guidance & wisdom to do the right thing, or faith to trust Him more!
Dear friends, have there been times you just don’t know what to do (even within the last 24 hours)?? I would be honored to call upon the Lord together with you. So that we can confidently take our positions, stand still, & watch the Lord’s victory!
{I’m SO thankful for how God is using the “Bible in 90 Day Challenge” to work His victories in my life! You can read more about what others are learning here.}
Your post really touched me. I sat down and saw my life… thank you =)
YES His victories ARE amazing! What an encouraging blog!
~ Paula
What a beautiful reminder! Thanks so much for posting this!
Jessica – His blessings and provisions are SO amazing, aren’t they? I’m with you – the times when I feel that I can’t go on, by praying and crying out to Him I am ready to face whatever comes at me.
Such a beautiful reminder :)
I am really enjoying my bible readings – and am learning so much!
Thank you for sharing truth and encouragement. :)
I can’t imagine doing the 90day challenge and I don’t have little ones! You’re an inspiration.
Yes, we are walking through something right now… a HUGE decision we have to make. We desperately need the Lord’s wisdom and guidance. Thanks for this timely reminder. :)
~Catherine
Thank you for this post!
I’m always so amazed whenever I read of the amazing things God has done. I mean, making a whole army defeat themselves? Parting an entire ocean?! Bringing people back to life?! A favorite song we sing around here is Awesome God, for He truly is awesome. This post is such a wonderful reminder to always call upon the Lord. I find myself doing that a lot whenever I become a bit overwhelmed with trying to raise my girls to love and serve Christ.
I do not know you personally. I am just in need of a prayer warrior, or as many as I can find. I thought things were fine in my marriage (we had some arguments, and more over the last few weeks), but I really thought things were ok. My husband came to me this weekend and told me he has been having an emotional affair with one of our friends. He is in love with her and does not know if he wants to be with me. He left our family last night to stay at her house. I just don’t know how to begin even praying but I do know that our God is mighty even when our world is crumbling around us. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for a great reminder!!!
I am relying on Him for ALL things.
It is encouraging to hear how the B90Days program is working in your life. :O)
It is always so amazing to be reminded that God is always with us and ready to battle for us..I know as of late I have been feeling overwhelmed with all my many duties in life and recently added many more for our home church! I just keep saying I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have yet to choose a curriculum if any at all for my going to be starting kindergarten in a few weeks daughter. I know God has a plan I am just praying it through till I receive guidance. Thank you so much for your always encouraging posts..Many blessings to you my dear friend!!
Forest Rose
What a delightful and much needed post!! We have been reading through Kinds, Judges, and now Isaiah for our family devotions. I am so thankful for God’s faithfullness and strength when I am weak!!! I appreciate your reminder that I can rely on God and call out to Him when my life goes haywire… and it just does with 5 kids ;-)
Love this… I am so thankful you are reading with us and thankful you linked this post. :)
Please keep our family in your prayers. We are seeking the Lord’s will and we need His grace to follow what’s been revealed so far. Please pray that my thoughts would be brought into the obedience of Christ.
Why don’t we lean on God and cry out to him more?? So good!
I’m praying for you- dear friends! Thank-you for sharing your prayer-requests with me!! The Lord can provide victory in every situation! Let’s continue to call to Him together, & watch His amazing work!
Love,
Jessica
Thank you for that encouragement~!! :o)
And now that I understand a whole bunch more where this post came from – I have no words. Love you, my sweet friend. Our God is an awesome God! And I’m certain His plan for you and yours is an amazing one.
Praying that everything is ok with your family Jessica. Got your message tonight. I am feeling worried for you and am not sure why. Call me when you get a moment. Would love to pray with you.
Amy Wilkie
I love this – yes, I need to keep this in mind more – God knows what to do when I’m at my wit’s end!!! :)