When I first began praying in January about what Women’s Ministry would look like for our church this year, God gave me a very specific (and kind of peculiar) text and verse to focus on. Today, the purpose of the text is obvious. God knew what the coming months would bring for our church family.
The text God led me to was 2 Chronicles 20 (1-30). Allow me to summarize.
King Jehoshaphat was warned that his nation was about to be under attack. Alarmed by this news, he “resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah”. So all the people came together to pray. “All of the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord.” The Spirit of the Lord spoke through Jahaziel and told the people, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Jehoshaphat then sent out men ahead of the army, and as they worshiped the Lord, God took care of the battle. The men of Judah did nothing but take away the plunder.
So what does this have to do with us, you ask?
Our church is going through a really hard time right now. It would be ridiculous to pretend otherwise. We are homeless, but “experiencing the Crossing”. Our name has changed. Our building is changing. The people are changing. There is uncertainty, frustration, instability and fear all around us. I know. I get it. I see it too.
But this is what I also know…
God is not done with us yet! He’s got a plan of us and it’s gonna be GOOD!
And I think we have a thing or two to learn from the story of Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah.
#1: Let’s show some resolve to seek the Lord! (2 Chronicles 20:3)
Resolve is a strong word. It means, “to come to a definite or earnest decision about”. Have we really resolved to seek the Lord – ONLY – like Jehoshaphat did? Are we giving ourselves over to praying for our leadership as they seek the Lord in the direction of our new church?
#2: Let’s worship the Lord in the midst of this “Crossing”! (2 Chronicles 20:6-12)
Have we committed our situation of God, acknowledging that only He can save us?
Are we seeking God’s favor?
Are we acknowledging that God is sovereign over our church’s future?
Are we praising God for His glory and taking comfort in His promises?
Are we professing complete dependence of God to deliver us?
#3: Let’s stand together as a church body and wait for the Lord to deliver us! (2 Chronicles 20:13)
Although our circumstances might say otherwise, these are exciting times for our church family. I am fired up about what God has in store of us – both now and on the other side – but we need to pull together, my friends!
I feel a little High School Musical coming on…..sing it with me…”We’re all in this together!” Sorry – I had to do it!
Hugs!
Carrie
Good stuff!!!! And Amen….