Faith and Deliverance: Trusting God in Adversity

 

Summary

In the face of overwhelming adversity, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah provide a profound example of faith and reliance on God. When confronted by a formidable alliance of enemies, they did not turn to their own strength or military might. Instead, they sought the Lord through fasting and prayer, demonstrating a deep trust in God's power and promises. This narrative from 2 Chronicles 20 illustrates the power of prayer and faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Jehoshaphat's prayer was marked by confidence in God's sovereignty, a remembrance of His past faithfulness, and a reliance on His promises. The people of Judah confessed their helplessness and looked to God for deliverance, embodying a posture of humility and dependence.

Their story teaches us that true strength lies not in our own abilities but in our reliance on God. When we face trials, we are invited to remember God's past acts of deliverance and to trust in His unchanging nature. The act of laying our burdens before God, even when words fail us, is a powerful form of prayer. As we look to God, we find that He often provides deliverance in unexpected ways, turning our fears into opportunities for praise and worship. The people of Judah, assured of God's intervention, worshiped and praised Him even before their deliverance was visible. This act of faith was not only a testament to their trust in God but also a means of preparing their hearts to receive His blessings.

Ultimately, the story of Jehoshaphat and Judah is a reminder that God is faithful to His promises. When we place our trust in Him, He fights our battles and brings us to a place of peace and rest. This narrative encourages us to live in a posture of worship and gratitude, confident in the knowledge that God is with us and will see us through every trial.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith in God's Sovereignty: Jehoshaphat's prayer began with an acknowledgment of God's power and rule over all nations. This confidence in God's sovereignty is crucial for effective prayer. When we approach God, we must do so with faith, believing in His ability to intervene in our circumstances. Our prayers should be rooted in the assurance that God is in control and that He is able to do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. [04:24]

- Remembering God's Faithfulness: The people of Judah recalled God's past acts of deliverance as they prayed. This practice of remembering God's faithfulness strengthens our faith and encourages us to trust Him in present difficulties. By reflecting on how God has worked in our lives before, we can find hope and assurance that He will continue to be faithful. [06:07]

- The Power of Confession: Judah's confession of their helplessness was a powerful plea for God's intervention. Acknowledging our limitations and dependence on God is a vital aspect of prayer. When we confess our need for Him, we open ourselves to His strength and guidance, allowing Him to work in ways we cannot. [11:25]

- Worship and Praise as Acts of Faith: Even before their deliverance was visible, the people of Judah worshiped and praised God. This act of faith demonstrates the power of worship in shifting our focus from our problems to God's promises. Praising God in advance of His intervention is a profound expression of trust and gratitude. [26:06]

- God's Deliverance and Rest: After seeking God and receiving His assurance, Judah experienced a miraculous deliverance and a period of peace. This narrative reminds us that God is our defender and that He brings rest after the storm. Trusting in God's timing and methods leads to a deeper peace and confidence in His provision. [33:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Threat Against Judah
- [00:30] - Jehoshaphat's Response
- [01:09] - The Enemy's Preparations
- [02:11] - Turning to God in Desperation
- [03:35] - The Power of Prayer
- [04:08] - Confidence in God's Sovereignty
- [06:07] - Remembering God's Past Acts
- [08:55] - Pleading God's Promises
- [11:25] - Confessing Helplessness
- [17:17] - Expressing Confidence in God
- [20:03] - Receiving God's Assurance
- [21:58] - God's Direction and Deliverance
- [24:01] - Worship and Praise
- [32:28] - Returning with Joy and Rest

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
- Hebrews 13:8
- Psalm 46:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Jehoshaphat's initial reaction when he heard about the approaching armies, and what actions did he take in response? ([00:30])

2. How did the people of Judah express their confidence in God's sovereignty during their prayer? ([04:24])

3. What role did worship and praise play in the story of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, even before they saw any deliverance? ([26:06])

4. How did God provide deliverance for Judah, and what was the outcome of the battle? ([22:58])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it significant that Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah chose to seek God through fasting and prayer rather than relying on their military strength? ([02:11])

2. In what ways does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen our faith during present difficulties? How did this play out in the story of Judah? ([06:07])

3. How does the act of confessing helplessness before God open us to His strength and guidance, as seen in Judah's plea for help? ([11:25])

4. What does the story of Jehoshaphat teach us about the relationship between worship, faith, and God's deliverance? ([26:06])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced overwhelming adversity. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in your response? How might Jehoshaphat's example inspire a different approach in the future? ([00:30])

2. Consider a current challenge in your life. How can you actively remember and recount God's past faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him now? ([06:07])

3. In what areas of your life do you feel helpless, and how can you bring these before God in prayer, acknowledging your dependence on Him? ([11:25])

4. How can you incorporate worship and praise into your daily routine, especially in times of uncertainty or fear? What might change in your perspective if you praised God in advance of His intervention? ([26:06])

5. Think about a situation where you need God's deliverance. How can you prepare your heart to receive His blessings, even if the outcome is not yet visible? ([22:58])

6. How can you cultivate a posture of worship and gratitude in your life, trusting that God is with you and will see you through every trial? ([33:19])

7. Identify one specific fear or worry you have right now. How can you turn this fear into an opportunity for praise and worship, trusting in God's promises? ([26:06])

Devotional

Day 1: Confidence in God's Sovereignty
In times of adversity, Jehoshaphat's prayer exemplifies a profound confidence in God's sovereignty. He begins by acknowledging God's power and rule over all nations, which is crucial for effective prayer. This confidence is not just a formality but a deep-seated belief in God's ability to intervene in any circumstance. When we approach God with faith, we are reminded that He is in control and can do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. This assurance allows us to lay our burdens before Him, trusting in His perfect plan and timing. [04:24]

Psalm 115:3-4 (ESV): "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands."

Reflection: What specific situation in your life do you need to surrender to God's sovereignty today, trusting that He is in control and will work it out for your good?


Day 2: Remembering God's Faithfulness
The people of Judah recalled God's past acts of deliverance as they prayed, which strengthened their faith and encouraged them to trust Him in their present difficulties. This practice of remembering is not merely nostalgic; it is a powerful tool that reinforces our trust in God's unchanging nature. By reflecting on how God has worked in our lives before, we can find hope and assurance that He will continue to be faithful. This remembrance serves as a foundation for our faith, reminding us that the God who was faithful in the past is the same God who walks with us today. [06:07]

Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV): "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."

Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories encourage you in your current challenges?


Day 3: The Power of Confession
Judah's confession of their helplessness was a powerful plea for God's intervention. Acknowledging our limitations and dependence on God is a vital aspect of prayer. When we confess our need for Him, we open ourselves to His strength and guidance, allowing Him to work in ways we cannot. This act of confession is not about dwelling on our weaknesses but about recognizing that true strength comes from God. It is an invitation for God to step into our circumstances and demonstrate His power and love. [11:25]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel helpless? How can you invite God into this area through a prayer of confession today?


Day 4: Worship and Praise as Acts of Faith
Even before their deliverance was visible, the people of Judah worshiped and praised God. This act of faith demonstrates the power of worship in shifting our focus from our problems to God's promises. Praising God in advance of His intervention is a profound expression of trust and gratitude. It prepares our hearts to receive His blessings and aligns us with His will. Worship becomes a declaration of faith, affirming that God is worthy of praise regardless of our circumstances. [26:06]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship and praise into your daily routine, even when you are facing challenges? What song or scripture can you use to remind yourself of God's promises?


Day 5: God's Deliverance and Rest
After seeking God and receiving His assurance, Judah experienced a miraculous deliverance and a period of peace. This narrative reminds us that God is our defender and that He brings rest after the storm. Trusting in God's timing and methods leads to a deeper peace and confidence in His provision. When we place our trust in Him, He fights our battles and brings us to a place of peace and rest. This assurance allows us to live in a posture of worship and gratitude, confident in the knowledge that God is with us and will see us through every trial. [33:19]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience God's peace and rest? How can you actively trust in His timing and provision today?

Quotes

They asked their help as you know by a general fast and prayer but I mean what was the style of that prayer in which they approached the Lord and the reply is first they asked help expressing their confidence oh Lord God of our fathers art not thou God in heaven and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the Heathen and in thine hand is there not power power and might so that none is able to withstand thee. [00:04:00]

When therefore in time of trouble you ask help of God ask it believing that he is able to give it ask it expecting that he will best stow it do not grieve the spirit of God by unworthy doubts and mistrusts these things will be like fiery arrows in your own soul and drink up the very life of your strength however hard the struggle and difficult the trial if thou seekest the Lord seek him in the confidence he deserves. [00:05:19]

Remember what God has done for you and then say as a sweet refrain Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and forever when you are praying recollect what he was yesterday if you cannot see that he is comfortable towards you today if there be no present manifestations of divine favor recall the former days the days of old the years of the right hand of the most high. [00:06:19]

He has been gracious unto you can you tell how gracious he has abounded towards you in loving kindness and tenderness and faithfulness he has never been a Wilderness or a land of drought unto you well then if in six troubles he has delivered thee Willl thou not trust him for seven if you get to 60 troubles cannot you trust him for 61. [00:06:49]

They pleaded the promise of God which promise was made at the time when Solomon dedicated the temple that if when evil cometh upon us we cry unto thee in our Affliction then thou will hear and help he that getteth the promise of God and grasp with god with the promise he does and must Prevail. [00:09:00]

One of the most prevailing arguments to be used in prayer with God is a truthful statement of our condition a confession of our sad estate so they said to the Lord these words oh Our God Willl thou not judge them for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us neither know we what to do but our eyes are upon thee. [00:11:21]

Sometimes even if you cannot do the thing it is a little Comfort to know how it might be done if you had the power but these perplexed people neither could do it nor knew how to do it they were nonplused a little Nation like Judah surrounded by these powerful enemies truly had no might their weakness and ignorance were great pleas. [00:12:08]

Perhaps you think that is not praying I tell you it is the most powerful form of prayer just to set your case before God just to lay be all your sorrow and all your needs and then say Lord there it is you know a man must not beg in the Streets of London the police will not have it and I dare say that is a very wise regulation. [00:13:10]

They expressed their confidence in God they said our eyes are upon thee what do they mean by that they they meant Lord if help does come it must come from you we are looking to you for it it cannot come from anywhere else so we look to you but we believe it will come men will not look for that which they know will not come we feel sure it will come. [00:17:19]

As soon as they had an assurance that God would deliver them they worshiped that is one of the intentions of trial to revive in us the spirit of devotion and communion with God and mercy when it comes on the back of a great trouble leads us sweetly to prayer I warrant you there had not been such a piece of worship in all Jerusalem. [00:24:09]

They praised the name of the Lord they sang as we do for his mercies shall endure ever faithful ever sure that is the way you should deal with God before the Deliverance comes praise him praise him for what is coming adore him for what he is going to do no song is so sweet me thinks in the ears of God is the song of a man who blesses him for Grace he has not tasted yet. [00:26:22]

After that they had rest in the narrative it is added so the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet for his God gave him rest roundabout his enemies were afraid to come and touch him anymore after a very sharp storm It generally happens that there is long rest so shall it be with all the Lord's people you will get through this trouble brother and afterwards it will be smooth sailing for a very long time. [00:33:09]

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Transcript
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