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Daily Devotion: 2 Chronicles 20:16-18

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2 Chronicles 20:16-18    "To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.  (17)  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.  (18)  And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD."

We understand there are three possible answers to every request made to God: "Yes, No, Not now."  We love the "yes" answers, don't we? We have to tolerate the "no" answers; yet, we should also love the "no" answers if we truly understand the motivation of God. His "no's" to us are positive in that He provides that which is best for us, even when the answer is no.  But the third answer requires patience on our part. There are times we ask for things that we are not prepared to receive.

God answered the prayer of the people, but it was not an instant relief. God told them, "To morrow." Not yet, but "tomorrow go ye down against them." He told them where to go, but then God mentioned a very important factor in the battle: "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle." We shall look at that part of the answer "to morrow".

"Set yourselves."  Be ready for the battle. "Stand ye still."  Don't jump the gun. "See the salvation of the LORD with you."  These instructions required patience. Human nature is such that we oftentimes feel like the answer depends upon us and we have to immediately do something. Actually, that is the way of the world. How many times have you heard, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."  Isn't that a statement of impatience?  This thing needs to get done, and it needs to get done right now. If you aren't going to do anything, I will.  For me, that attitude has often led to disaster or at best a complete mess of things.  There are times that God seems to be laying things in order before He accomplishes that which we feel we need in our lives. And for that, we need to learn patience.

Here is the answer God gave. If I may use something that we used to say as children, "On your mark. Get ready. Get set. DON'T GO." There was preparation that Judah had to make before the battle was to occur. They were praying. They were seeking God's grace and assistance. God answered. "Jehoshaphat and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD."  The people needed a time to worship and exalt the Almighty God. They needed their hearts  to be prepared to see God in action.

There are times we say we have placed a matter in God's hands. We hear it often. But this instance with Jehoshaphat has taught me a great lesson. If I have indeed placed it in the hands of my Lord, then I need to prepare my heart by worshipping Him as I wait for Him to show me His answer. It may be tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But I am not to put it in His hands and then forget. I am to put it in His hands and prepare my heart through worship and praise, anticipating His working in my life.

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