Fair Weather Followers.

In 2 Chronicles 20, we read that King Jehoshaphat called Judah to fast, pray and humble themselves before God, when surrounded by their enemies. He proclaimed in prayer that they did not know what to do but their eyes were focussed on their God (2 Chronicles 20:12). Without Him, they were powerless to stand against their enemies and they knew it.

A powerless king, and his people, threw themselves on the mercy of an All- powerful God and He heard, and responded by delivering them. It was a wonderful testimonial. We have modern day testimonies of equal significance, such as when a day of prayer saved Britain at Dunkirk in May 1940, when President Museveni of Uganda dedicated his nation to God in 2012 and finally in 2001, when President George Bush proclaimed a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for all those who lost their lives in the twin tower, terrorist attack. It was reported that the American churches were full.

In all these instances, including that of Judah, the leaders called their people to prayer and the people responded by humbling themselves before God and seeking His help. I am not sure how long the fervour to seek God continued in the modern nations, but we read that Jehoshaphat was not a ‘fair weather follower’, who only sought God when things were going badly. He also sought God when things were going well.

Like all of us, he didn’t follow God perfectly, but he endeavoured to be a faithful servant, no matter what the weather was like. No one wants a ‘fair weather friend’ who only sticks around when it is beneficial for them to do so. God is not particularly impressed with ‘fair weather friends’ either and that should not surprise us.

The prodigal in Luke 15 had many ‘fair weather friends’ but once he had hit rock bottom and was forced to live alongside ‘stinky’ pigs, these friends were nowhere to be found. Just like we steer clear of such people, God is not impressed with those who only want to be ‘storm weather followers.’ (those who only cry out to God when they are in dire straits and there is nowhere else to turn) Because He is merciful God, He acts mercifully when people humble themselves before Him, but those who truly love Him, follow wholeheartedly whether the sun is shining or the winds are howling. I wonder what sort of follower you are and what kind of follower I am. I have no right to turn the spotlight on your heart, if I am not willing to lay bare my own. Oh God, help us to be people wholeheartedly devoted to You and follow, no matter what the weather.

Prayer: Father God, I acknowledge that You are merciful and reach out to help those who humble themselves before You and cry out for Your assistance. I am grateful for all the times in my life you have intervened. I bring those times to mind right now. Help me to be a follower who walks with You and talks with You consistently and faithfully all my days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.