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PROGRAM D-8381
One of my constant struggles is that I try to do God’s work too often. Do you have that problem, too? Probably because I’m impatient and tend to be a controlling person, I want to manipulate, call the shots, and direct the action instead of letting God be God. I’m going to preach to myself—and you’re welcome to listen in. My message is “Don’t fight; just show up!”
Do you recall the event recorded in 2 Chronicles 20, where Jehoshaphat was facing a war with a bunch of enemies who could undoubtedly wipe him off the map? He was a godly king of Judah, and when he realized this vast army was marching his way, he was alarmed, frightened, and worried! Who wouldn’t be? But as soon as he saw his predicament, he “resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3).
Notice how he responded to a crisis—he resolved to inquire of the Lord. What is the first thing you do when facing an overwhelming enemy of some sort? It could be a relationship enemy, a financial enemy, a jobless enemy, or a health enemy—they come in all types and sizes. Our first emotional reaction is alarm; that’s to be expected. But what does that alarm cause us to do?
Often the first thing I do is to plan my fight. Whatever the problem is, I start figuring how I can win this battle. I can do this or that; I can talk to this person or that one; I can pull this string or another one. Surely there is something I can do to fix this situation and fix it fast! So I start drawing up my battle plan.
Jehoshaphat knew better. He remembered to first “inquire of the Lord.” What is your mission impossible today, your impossible person, or your mountain too high to climb? Have you inquired of the Lord yet for his guidance? Or are you struggling, working, and fretting to come up with your own battle plan so you can solve that problem?
Tell you what—let’s you and I just stop right where we are and inquire of the Lord. That means to tell him that you trust him, that you believe he is smarter than you are, and that you admit your ideas usually make matters worse rather than solving anything. Instead of fighting your battle today, inquire of the Lord as to what to do. That’s the first important step.