Shaken, Jehoshaphat prayed. He went to God for help… 2 Chronicles 20
What a week it has been!
There is nothing quite like facing the dragon of wildfire, and realizing just how helpless you are to do ANYTHING but fall to your knees, and, with the Word of God to stand on?
Boldly ask The Mighty God for miracle upon miracle!
That is exactly what my week has been:
- Praying for our courageous firefighters.
- Asking God to turn the winds that He alone holds in His fists.
- Pleading for our city, as Abraham did, for the sake of a few righteous men.
- Begging for rain with no lightening.
Code RED!
In our Northern California Mountains we know about wildfire, Code Red’s, and keeping a “Go-Bag” stashed in the closet so you can run!
In the midst of Code Red warnings, and then emergency evacuations in the late night hours? We know. All you can DO is lift your eyes to heaven, praying, praying, praying…
In these past days, I have seen the incredible “good” in folks who care for one another, lift one another, encourage each other in the midst of baffled helplessness.
It has been a harrowing and heartening week!
And, yet, I am thankful… so thankful, for the courage and skill of these men who battle wildfire… those who run toward the battle.
I want to thank all the crisis management people, law enforcement, and firefighters, especially those incredibly kind volunteers at the Red Cross Shelter, who came from far and wide, to help us with whatever we needed, and slay this terrible dragon.
Our city has been saved, the Code Red’s (mostly) lifted, and we now roll up our sleeves to help our neighbors recover, those dear ones who lost everything.
Thank you everyone for your prayers.
The battle truly does belong to God!
1 Chronicles 20:1-21 The Message
1 Some time later the Moabites and Ammonites, accompanied by Meunites, joined forces to make war on Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: “A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There’s no time to waste—they’re already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of En Gedi.”
3-4 Shaken, Jehoshaphat prayed. He went to God for help and ordered a nationwide fast. The country of Judah united in seeking God’s help—they came from all the cities of Judah to pray to God.
5-9 Then Jehoshaphat took a position before the assembled people of Judah and Jerusalem at The Temple of God in front of the new courtyard and said, “O God, God of our ancestors, are you not God in heaven above and ruler of all kingdoms below? You hold all power and might in your fist—no one stands a chance against you! And didn’t you make the natives of this land leave as you brought your people Israel in, turning it over permanently to your people Israel, the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived here and built a holy house of worship to honor you, saying, ‘When the worst happens—whether war or flood or disease or famine—and we take our place before this Temple (we know you are personally present in this place!) and pray out our pain and trouble, we know that you will listen and give victory.’
10-12 “And now it’s happened: men from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir have shown up. You didn’t let Israel touch them when we got here at first—we detoured around them and didn’t lay a hand on them. And now they’ve come to kick us out of the country you gave us. O dear God, won’t you take care of them? We’re helpless before this vandal horde ready to attack us. We don’t know what to do; we’re looking to you.”
13 Everyone in Judah was there—little children, wives, sons—all present and attentive to God.
14-17 Then Jahaziel was moved by the Spirit of God to speak from the midst of the congregation. (Jahaziel was the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah the Levite of the Asaph clan.) He said, “Attention everyone—all of you from out of town, all you from Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat—God’s word: Don’t be afraid; don’t pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God’s war, not yours. Tomorrow you’ll go after them; see, they’re already on their way up the slopes of Ziz; you’ll meet them at the end of the ravine near the wilderness of Jeruel. You won’t have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm, Judah and Jerusalem, and watch God’s saving work for you take shape. Don’t be afraid, don’t waver. March out boldly tomorrow—God is with you.”
18-19 Then Jehoshaphat knelt down, bowing with his face to the ground. All Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping God. The Levites (both Kohathites and Korahites) stood to their feet to praise God, the God of Israel; they praised at the top of their lungs!
20 They were up early in the morning, ready to march into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were leaving, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen Judah and Jerusalem! Listen to what I have to say! Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets and you’ll come out on top!”
21 After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for God; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing,
Give thanks to God,
His love never quits.
Women With Destiny 