What Do We Do?
by Patricia MacEachern
Some time back, I was reading through what I would call the more challenging books of the Bible; Kings and Chronicles. There are many kings and leaders listed who did not follow God, and terrible things happened to them.
However, in Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was in fear because a great multitude of his enemies was coming against him. He called a fast and all Judah gathered together to ask for help from the Lord.
He remembered the prayer of Solomon as he dedicated the temple, “If evil comes upon us, the sword of judgement, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You- for Your Name [and the symbol of Your presence] is in this house – and cry to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save” (2 Chronicles 20:9).
Then he admits his need of God by saying he doesn’t know what to do, but he does trust that God does (2 Chronicles 20:12b). The Lord replies “Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15).
God goes on to say “You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you” (verse 17).
The next day they went out as the Lord had commanded, worshipping and praising God, and singing. Their enemies all killed each other, and as a result they did not have to fight, just as God said.
As I read this I am challenged by my own attitude when circumstances come against me. Do I turn to God and say, “I do not know what to do, but my eyes are upon You”, and listen for His reply? Do I step out in obedience, praising Him? Or do I get discouraged or fearful because I cannot see the way out, and then end up doing things in my own strength?
Patricia MacEachern Patricia has been attending various courses Ellel Scotland since 2004, most recently completing Explore A and B. She has been part of the ministry team there since 2019 and is passionate about seeing others healed as God has brought and continues to bring deep healing to her personally. She is married and has three children and enjoys crafting, walking, gardening and reading.
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