For When You Feel Powerless Against What's Ahead

My reading plan had me in 2 Chronicles 20 today. I love this account of how Jehophaphat led His people toward utter dependance on God when they faced an impossible battle ahead. A quick look at the headlines of late makes me feel like I’m up against my own impossible battle. With all the recent events of violence, dissension, hatred, and an uncertain future staring me and my family in the face, this passage is a timely reminder for me. Maybe it is for you, too?

"And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ . . . For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”. . . And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:5-17)


Though you and I are not facing a physical battle like Jehoshaphat, we certainly have our own set of scary, intimidating circumstances ahead of us in the years to come. It’s all too easy to give in to fear or even throwing our hands up as if we have no hope. There are, however, at least six timeless truths we can cling to in this passage.

1. When I don't know what to do, I need to put my eyes on my sovereign, faithful, in-control God.

2. When I cry out to God, He will always hear and save.

3. I am powerless to stop anything that may come, but my Lord is full of power and might.

4. This battle is not mine, but God's.

5. My job is not to fight, but to stand firm, hold my position, and see the salvation of the Lord on my behalf.

6. I am not to fear anything that is to come, because the Lord will be with me.

Which of these truths brings you the most comfort and security in our great God? Are there other verses you cling to in these uncertain "last days"?

About Katie

Grace-clinger. Truth-speaker. Pastor's wife. Mommy of 3. As a Bible study writer, retreat speaker, and local women's ministry leader, Katie is passionate about equipping others to walk intimately with God for a lifetime. Katie currently serves as the Social Media Specialist and Community Manager for Flourish.me, a ministry of the North American Mission Board to ministry wives. Learn more about Katie on her website KatieOrr.me.
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