I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree.
Isaiah 55:8 The Message
Have you ever been told to do something that seems completely bonkers or at best totally illogical? Remember that famous phrase, “ours is not to reason why, ours is just to do and die”?
Well today we must keep in mind that God answers prayer but not necessarily in the way King Jehoshaphat or you ever imagined.
As we discovered yesterday, being honest and open with God is the way to approach Him. We must also remember the difference between us and the God we are praising and praying to.
Often and quite rightly seeking advice from friends and family is good. When we approach God though this is a different dimension as our opening statement reminds us.
Therefore Jehoshaphat first acknowledges who God is
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!
2 Chronicles 20:6-9 The Message (MSG)
I wonder do you see God that way; no equal, no rival, master of the universe? When you approach God with that perspective surely it must fill you with praise and assurance. You hold all power and might in your fist.
There is a saying you all know, total power totally corrupts, but not in the case of God. He will always be on a different standard to us humans as we are reminded of this morning.
Let me encourage you in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis, a man said this, “Will Not the Judge of All the Earth Do Right”? In other words, God does not make mistakes, or act unfairly, or treat one person differently from another. Have we not in the last two weeks seen a world horrified at the death of a young man? Yes black does matter, but God informs us that we all matter, your colour, education and finance do not hold influence over God. You matter, immaterial of those things.
If you believe in a God who is going to execute judgment with perfect justice, then you can leave it in His hands. That includes lockdown, economic, social as well as all the other challenges you will encounter. Have you, or are you, suffering from being misunderstood, a disappointment(s), doubts, setbacks due to this lockdown, even unemployment. Remember how we started this morning declaring that God does not act in our way, He does act though!!!!
Can I ask you today, if you think your situation is impossible, to trust God and be honest with Him. Declare that He is above all things and over all things and will always do what is right.
Why not take a moment to praise and thank Him for that. Remember you matter regardless of what any other human being thinks.
King Jehoshaphat is about to see how God will act and deliver in an unexpected and illogical way to the way King Jehoshaphat or his military advisors would plan the battle to defeat their enemies. King Jehoshaphat is about to discover doing things God’s way is always best as God answers by saying this
Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours
2 Chronicles 20:15
He says that to you too, if you will put your trust and faith in Him. Allow Him to do the impossible.
I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree.
Isaiah 55:8 The Message