I am going through the hardest season of my life. I'm grieving for my mother. Yet I'm going through one of the best seasons of my life spiritually - I've never been as close to God as I am right now. I've come to trust him and depend on him completely.
You may be thinking - how?
It's been a journey - a hard, emotional journey that I am still on. What I've learnt the most is that through my grief, depressive moments and anger, God has had his hand on me the entire time. God has released his joy into my life and filled the empty space with himself.
I want to share this message with everyone. God will give you the strength to endure. At the end of endurance comes abundance. Let me prove it.
King Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) in 2 Chronicles 20
Verses 2-3 says: "Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, 'a vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.'"
- This situation looks like certain destruction for the king and the people of Judah. The army had made significant progress whilst Jehoshaphat had been unaware. We can all relate to this. We live our lives, going about our business, when situations that knock us for six come our way. We're unprepared and sometimes let fear take over.
- How does the King react? Yes, he is alarmed. He is emotionally responsive. Yet in his distress, he prays and fasts (withholds from eating food for a certain period). These are two pillars of the church, and any christian should use them as weapons. When faced with tough situations we should run to God and be attentive to his Spirit. "It's easier said than done" - I hear you say. Yet it is possible. If you take the time to quieten yourself before God in the good times, you'll have more strength to run to him in the bad times too.
- Next the King stands up,with God's presence, in front of his entire nation, and proclaims how mighty and powerful God is. He remembers God's past faithfulness.
Verses 5-6: "Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in front of the new courtyard and said: 'LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.'"
- He recognises that the victory will come in God's strength and not their own.
Verse 12: "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
- In my situation, it's so difficult to know what to do. How do you handle grief? The truth is you don't - but God does. Whatever situation you're in - whether you feel helpless and alone, know that in God you'll find direction and protection.
God's response
- When God sees this level of commitment, he sends His Spirit upon them, and speaks to them.
Verse 15b: "This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."
Verse 17: "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
- When you declare who God is, he declares who you are. Know that whatever problems you have to face - God will never leave you. Go out and hold your head high. Standing in God is fighting in itself.
How should you respond when God speaks to you?
Verse 22: "As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated."
- Your deliverance comes through your praise. Yes, I know this is cliche and a well known phrase used in the pentecostal church - but I've found it to be true. In spite of your problems, you are truly strengthened through your storm when you refuse to believe Satan's lies about God and continuously praise. The enemy of Judah ended up slaughtering each other!
Verse 30 simply says: "And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side."
I pray that whoever reads this is granted great peace. Rely on God and not yourself. Remember his past faithfulness. It's okay to not be okay but remember to lean on God when it gets rough. If you can't, talk to someone who can support you and
guide you back to God.
Remember that at the end of endurance comes a great abundance.
