The Word for This Week Is: “Will”.
The Thought for This Week Is: God’s Will be done.
Do you know what God’s will is for your life? This is a good question but do you have an answer? If He would just tell us what He wants us to do. Maybe you have an understanding how God is leading you in certain areas of your life and you have committed to following Him. However, we often face situations where we just do not know what to do. Can I truly know what God has planned for my life? Of course, the answer is yes. We know that God will move heaven and earth to show us His will.
In II Chronicles, chapters 17-19, we read of a wicked King Ahab, King of Israel, that had brought in the false gods of the neighboring peoples. We also read of King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, who was considering an alliance with Ahab. We do not know why Jehoshaphat sought such an alliance. Maybe it was for military strength, maybe wealth or maybe he just wanted a united Israel as when David was King. Fortunately, God revealed His will that this would not be a favorable move.
Begin by reading II Chronicles 20: 1-30. Notice what terrible things were facing Jehoshaphat and his people. Also, notice that his first reaction was to solicit the will of God. As enemy armies were advancing on him, God revealed that He did not want Jehoshaphat to participate in the battle and that the battle belonged to Him. What do you think might be the reason that God did not want Jehoshaphat to participate in the battle? Perhaps it was a matter of faith. Notice that God did not engage the battle until the people began to sing songs of praise to God. It was only then that He delivered a victory to Judah. The connection is obvious: God’s will be done.
We must remember that the battle is not our, rather it belongs to God. No matter how God choses to reveal His plans, He will make sure all things are ready and in place for it to come to pass. Our responsibility is simply to obey His will.
Pray through the following Scripture and strive to memorize Psalm 22:3-4 “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted you and you delivered them.”
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank you again for another day. It is our prayer that you reveal your will in our lives. You provide us with all things necessary for an abundant life. Please give us a heart of obedience that we may seek and submit to your perfect will. We thank you for the blessings that are ours through Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Rory Barneche