2 Chronicles 20:12 “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

Jehoshaphat had two strengths: faith and humility. As has come out already, he developed those over time, choosing to follow God day by day. Those strengths were exactly what he needed, because by not relying on himself, or on any human source, he opened himself and the nation up to God’s infinite supply. This is just like God told Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When we think we’ve “got it covered,” we cut ourselves off from God’s perfect answer. This is a lesson we have a hard time getting into our hearts in practical terms. We are very stubborn in wanting to do things ourselves, to be able to take credit for them. God does call us to be faithful stewards of the resources He places at our disposal, but the minute we think they are ours, rather than His that we are allowed to use, things go off track. He repeatedly puts us into situations where we need to depend on Him, not at all to be mean to us but to teach us that He is our Source, and nothing else is or could be. The Bible teaches this to us again and again. Moses spoke it clearly about finances, which is an area in which we are particularly prone to think it’s “our business.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Paul’s lesson, already referenced, was in the area of physical health. Like Jehoshaphat, we are never stronger than when we recognize that we have no strength in ourselves, but God is omnipotent, and He loves us.

This is precisely where we are right now. We are faced with a project to which we are committed, but which we have no resources to fulfill. Even beyond that, we are seeking to establish the kingdom of God in a nation that has been incredibly resistant to this point. It’s been a long time since I’ve fasted, but I believe I’m to call the church to fast, in order to recognize and acknowledge our total dependence on God. That’s a little ironic when Cathy and I were at a dinner party last night and we have lunch as a church together today! However, I am to call the church to fast and pray, to focus our hearts on God in order to receive His directions, His supply. This isn’t desperation, because He has proved Himself faithful more ways than we could count, but it is a reminder not to be presumptuous. Besides, most of the church has probably never experienced this sort of prayer, and we need to grow in it.

Father, thank You for this clear Word this morning. I ask for wisdom and anointing as I follow through in obedience. Help me know how much, if any, of the previously prepared message I am to use, and help me speak Your truth in Your words so that it will penetrate into each heart, setting us free from the lies of the enemy in every area in which we are deceived and thus bound, so that all of Your plans for us may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!