Jehoshaphat, I have a word from the Lord. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not your, but God’s.” (Paraphase: So tomorrow, get up and march down there to where they are. Now they are going to be climbing up in pursuit of you, but) “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid or discouraged, go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.”
I love the picture in this next verse, "Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and all the other people fell in worship before the Lord." Can't you see the relief? He just fell on his face in worship and praise to God. And as they did this God led them into a time of praise. As a matter of fact, the next morning when they went out to meet their enemy, they were clinging to the promise that God had made to them, but Jehoshaphat had resolved that he did not want this to become about him so he kept them focused. He appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.
Matthew is quite adamant that he does not want this to be about him. He wants to see God being glorified and praised. We are facing what feels like a vast army to me. God has revealed to us through His word that He has already bore our sickness, or sorrow and our sin on Calvary and by those stripes we are healed. We are called to praise HIM! When HE is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself.
Jehoshaphat chose to Worship instead of worry. Matthew has chosen to worship instead of worry.
Matthew is our 11 year old and he has SEVERE allergies. Matthew says “Paul had a thorn in his flesh, so why not me?” Matthew has many bad nights, but one particular night that stands out to me was about a year ago. Matthew was having trouble breathing and his eyes were giving him fits. As I tucked him in we talked yet again about God’s purposes and how He works out all things for our good and His glory. Matthew was feeling a little defeated spiritually and physically miserable and asked if he could sleep in our room. His daddy thought he would do better in his own bed since it has all the protective allergen covers, so I tucked him in and went about my nightly duties. As I walked past Matthew’s room this is what I heard in his precious, tone deaf, off key whisper of a voice...How can I keep from singing Your praise?How can I ever say enough?How amazing is Your love?How can I keep from shouting Your name?I know I am loved by the King And it makes my heart want to sing" Tears began to stream from my eyes and I froze and listened to this precious young man sing praises to Jesus until he fell asleep. He didn't liay awake questioning why him? He did not cry or sulk or worry about tomorrow or wonder what his next allergy attack would hold. HE PRAISED! "How can I keep from singing your praise?" God used this incredible young man of God, who I am privileged to call my son, to remind me to praise Him in ALL circumstances. Matthew and Jehoshaphat know the same truth. Worship trumps worry and they praised.
In verse 22 we see that as they began to sing and praise, The Lord set ambushes against men that were invading them and they were defeated.
So, instead of praying tomorrow during Matthew's surgery I ask that you crank up the volume of those voice boxes and sing praises to God. Bless HIS name. Sing of HIS goodness. Rejoice in HIS presence. HE will do the battle. HE will fight the fight. Please praise HIM with us and watch the MIGHTY hand of our God at work in this situation.
ALL FOR HIM AND FOR HIS GLORY!!!
Monica
Monica - as you asked, I'm worshiping God. I've turned on praise music loud.
ReplyDeleteIn the coming hours and days, please know I will continue to do so, and wil pray for your precious son. We serve a God of miracles and healing, and I'm beseaching Him for both on Matthew's behalf. While we trust every report will be good, don't be alarmed at any concerning report from a doctor. God is in control.
"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jer. 32:27
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." Exodus 14:13-14
May the presence of God, His peace and power, settle in and around you all in the coming hours and days.
Love,
Glynnis
Praise the Lord of Hosts!
ReplyDeleteJehova Rapha, God our healer!
May His love and power be displayed in your son's body and circumstances today.
Blessings ~ Rachel
wow!! you have got a precious family that has challenged my heart.
ReplyDeletei've lived with a couple of chronic conditions for about 7 years now (due to a serious car accident that wasn't even my fault.) i have been near death many times and i know the fear that comes with that thought. i know the courage it takes to keep praising even when you don't see, even when everything you see/feel/hear isn't good...i have failed and i have conquered in that area. i'm just so thankful that God continually chooses to use me as a vessel.
i shared your blog on my facebook page and i hope people are reminded just how amazing God really is and how we should praise Him.
you are a terrific mom, and i pray that God continues to give you strength to send this message of hope to the entire world. no matter what little or huge things people are facing, they all need to learn this lesson.
(i now call my "please God, get me through this day."'s "i don't want to go to work today, please don't make me."'s "PETTY LITTLE REQUESTS," because when you take a look at the bigger picture (like your precious Matthew is doing) it is pretty petty.)
GO GOD!! :)
Thank You Jesus! Thank You for telling us that we are NEVER alone! Thank You for answered prayer! We know Lord that You have seen, You have heard the thousands of prayers rising to Your ears on behalf of Matthew! We praise You for the astounding way You have already answered! We stand in awe, along with the doctors, as they watch AMAZED at the work of Your hands! Lord, we do NOT doubt for a second that You will accomplish in this young man what You have intended.
ReplyDeleteSweep over the family with Your Peace as they wait. Fill every inch of the hospital with Your Holy Spirit! Bust the doors open and spill onto the surrounding streets and neighborhoods as Your Glory shines through this young life.
Remove the anxiety and replace it with Your confidence! We praise and worship You and we sing, Hallelujah Lord Jesus!
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, what You are about to accomplish today! May You be glorified and Your Majesty be praised, in Jesus' name, amen!
Father God, when you died you died not just for our sin but for our healing as well. As the Israelites marched around Jericho in praise, in praise we march around that hospial. Glorify your name King Jesus!
ReplyDelete