Comment louer Dieu pour triompher de la victoire (L'histoire du roi Josaphat) avec le Dr Tony Evans
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Jehoshaphat's Dilemma
- The Alarming News
- Seeking Help from God
- Turning to the Lord
- Proclaiming a National Fast
- The Power of Fasting and Prayer
- Jehoshaphat's Prayer
- Rehearsing God's Person
- Acknowledging God's Power
- Praise as a Weapon
- Magnifying the Lord
- The Power of Praise
- The Deliverance
- God Sets an Ambush
- The Importance of Praising in the Midst of Problems
- The Power of God's Life
- Embracing the Life of God
- Receiving the Free Gift of Eternal Life
- Conclusion
🙏 Jehoshaphat's Dilemma
In the ancient kingdom of Judah, King Jehoshaphat received alarming news—a vast army was approaching to wage war against him. Overwhelmed by the imminent danger, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all the people of Judah, calling them to gather from every town to fast and pray together. It was a moment of crisis, a predicament that affected the whole nation. Jehoshaphat's emotions were in turmoil. Fear and uncertainty gripped his heart as the magnitude of the approaching army closed in on them from all directions.
As the people gathered in the desert of Toccoa, Jehoshaphat earnestly sought God's assistance. He knew that this battle was too big for him to handle alone. In the midst of their desperation, a man named Jahaziel stood up and delivered a powerful message. He assured Jehoshaphat that he should not be concerned, for it was not his battle to fight, but God's. This message of faith brought hope to the troubled king and his people.
🙏 Turning to the Lord
Jehoshaphat's response to the crisis was not to rely on his own strength or seek assistance from other kingdoms. Instead, he turned his eyes towards heaven, acknowledging that nowhere else could his problem be solved. He understood the importance of bringing God into the equation of his dilemma. The king proclaimed a national fast, calling the entire nation to seek the Lord. Fasting was not just about abstaining from food; it was a spiritual act of surrendering the physical and acknowledging the supremacy of the unseen world.
The act of fasting revealed their humility and dependence on God. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, participated in this devoted time of prayer and fasting. Families came together, children included, recognizing the severity of the crisis that besieged them. Jehoshaphat knew that being right with God was a prerequisite for receiving help from God. In a previous chapter, he had led the nation to turn back to the Lord, ensuring that they were in a position to hear from Him. Seeking God wholeheartedly was their only hope.
💪 Jehoshaphat's Prayer
In the desert, surrounded by his people, Jehoshaphat lifted a prayer to God. It wasn't a prayer filled with empty words or rituals; it was a prayer of genuine surrender. He started by rehearsing God's person, magnifying His greatness and sovereignty over all the kingdoms of the earth. Jehoshaphat recognized that no problem on earth is too big for the God of the universe to overrule.
After extolling God's person, he declared His power. He acknowledged that the approaching army was no competition for the Almighty. By affirming God's power, Jehoshaphat shifted his focus from the enormity of the problem to the greatness of the One who could handle it.
Jehoshaphat's prayer revealed his faith in God's character and his confidence in His ability to deliver. It was a powerful demonstration of humility, trust, and dependence on the Creator of the universe.
🙌 Praise as a Weapon
Following their prayer, something remarkable happened. God heard their cries, and he set an ambush against their enemies. But before the deliverance came, the people engaged in praise and worship. They fell down before the Lord, worshiping and exalting His name. They sang songs of praise, celebrating the greatness of their God.
Praise became their weapon in the midst of their problems. They understood that magnifying God would shift the focus from their circumstances to the One who reigns above all. It was an act of faith, celebrating God's victory even before it manifested.
Praise acted as a catalyst for God's intervention. As the people praised, heaven moved, and their enemies scattered. The power of their worship caused the enemy's plan to turn against itself, resulting in their ultimate deliverance.
🌟 The Power of God's Life
Jehoshaphat's story teaches us the value of embracing God's life. Life is not merely existing; it is experiencing the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ. This life entails forgiveness of sins, the guarantee of heaven, and a personal relationship with Christ. It is a life that transcends our circumstances and gives us hope and purpose.
To receive God's life, we must come to Jesus, acknowledging our need for His salvation. It is not a matter of earning or working for it; it is simply trusting in Him alone. When we surrender our sin and place our faith in Jesus, we receive the free gift of eternal life.
In the face of trials and uncertainty, it is crucial to remember the power of God's life within us. By having a personal history with God, knowing His faithfulness and His ability to overcome, we can confidently face any dilemma that may arise.
Conclusion
Jehoshaphat's faith and dependence on God won the battle against a vast army. His unwavering trust in God and his act of seeking Him through prayer, fasting, and praise serve as powerful examples for us today. When faced with overwhelming circumstances, let us follow Jehoshaphat's lead and turn to the Lord, trusting in His power and surrendering our problems into His capable hands. In Him, we find strength, deliverance, and the abundant life He promises to all who believe.