What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do - Amy Lively
Not knowing what to do is nothing new, and neither is this strategy for figuring out how to handle a crisis. Read 2 Chronicles 20 for the back story, then apply it to the situation that is plaguing you today.
DEFINE THE PROBLEM
Jehoshaphat us under attack. He is outnumbered, and he is scared. He begged the Lord for guidance, and ordered everyone to seek the Lord’s help by prayer and fasting.
2 Chronicles 20:1-3
What exactly is going on? Define and share your troubles with godly friends.
PRAY WITH PURPOSE
In times of special need, the sincerity of our prayers is emphasized with fasting. Fasting is abstaining from food so you can pay attention to God. Fasting is designed by God for: knowing His will, preparing for ministry, personal cleansing, and victory over temptation or bondage (Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Notes).
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Set aside to pray and fast, get others to pray with you.
TRUST GOD’S POWER
Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s power and might – which would come in especially handy given their weakness and vulnerability.
2 Chronicles 20:5-6
Remind yourself that God is fully capable of handling your situation.
REMEMBER HIS PROMISES
They looked back at how God had rescued them in the past to find hope in the present. Jehoshaphat recalled God’s promises to his people to give them the land that was under attack.
2 Chronicles 20:7
Stand on promises from Scripture that are applicable to your situation.
ENTER GOD’S PRESENCE
They waited in the presence of the Lord, knowing that God hears and saves us when we cry out to Him in our distress.
2 Chronicles 20:8-9
Pour out your heart to God, and take comfort knowing He hears and will respond.
MAKE YOUR PLEA
Jehoshaphat acknowledged their confusion, despair, and weakness and plainly asked for God’s help.
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
2 Chronicles 20:10-12
Acknowledge your confusion and helplessness as you ask for God’s direction.
LISTEN TO PROPHECY
The Spirit of the Lord spoke to Jehoshaphat through a prophet among them, encouraging them to not be afraid because of this problem.
2 Chronicles 20:13-16
What are you hearing from the Lord? What do others advise? Does this line up with Scripture?
TAKE YOUR POSITION
The prophet Jahaziel told Jehoshaphat the Lord would fight this battle. The Israelites were to take their positions against their enemy – ready to act, yet patiently waiting for God’s deliverance.
2 Chronicles 20:17
Allow God to work and move in your situation. Be ready to act or be still, as He leads.
GIVE HIM PRAISE
All the people worshipped the Lord, faces to the ground but voices lifted high. They sang songs of praise, shouting, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 20:18-21
Worship the Lord! Sing and shout about His goodness, lovingkindness, power, and grace. You need to hear it!
ENJOY HIS PROTECTION
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord caused confusion among their enemies until they destroyed themselves! God’s people didn’t have to lift a finger until they went to gather the plunder.
2 Chronicles 20:22-25
Expect God to reward your faithfulness in unexpected ways.
REST IN GOD’S PEACE
The entire kingdom was at peace, for the Lord gave them peace on every side. Their enemies were defeated, and this place of fear and confusion became known as The Valley of Blessing.
2 Chronicles 20:26-29
Your reward may not look like you thought. Your victory may not happen the way you planned. But you will always receive peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, and increased faith!
