Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.—John 14:27 (NKJV)
When King Jehoshaphat faced the threat of the Ammonites and other attacks of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:12-23, he faced what at first glance was an out of control situation. It looked dismal for God’s people, and although King Jehoshaphat feared, he set himself to seek the Lord. Jahaziel prophesied the deliverance of Judah in verse 15 saying: “Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” The king proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah, and all the people fasted and prayed. King Jehoshaphat told the people: “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (v. 17). Judah's would be attackers warred among and destroy themselves.
When we face situations and circumstances in our lives in which we feel are out of our control, instead of fighting in vain, we can find confidence like Jehoshaphat who sought the Lord, and was reminded that God was and is truly in control, despite what appeared to be danger and disaster. Although he was a King with many under his authority and control, King Jehoshapat had to give up his control, in order for God to show who was really in control. We too can find comfort in knowing that what God did for King Jehoshaphat, He can do for us too.
The truth is that each of us can and will face many battles, challenges, and situations on a daily basis. The world may also appear to be upside down, and it might even appear hopeless. We don’t have to try to figure it out, because God has already worked it out. When we look back over our lives, we might even discover that when we got into trouble and lost our way, was because we tried to control our circumstances—when in fact we were out of control. “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21.
So when you feel like things are out of control, that gives more room for God’s power to shine through, because He has never lost a battle, and He never will! “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23
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