Wake up

Hi how are you all today? I was at a women’s conference on the weekend. It was amazing! Not only did God move in the hearts of the ladies but there was a mandate given to us. In our nation we have just had an election. But I know that it is time for Christians to stand up and be heard.

There are many voices shouting their opinions at us when all people want is truth. Where is truth found? In Jesus – He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

So what is our first action in this standing up time? It is that we need to wake up. Too many of us, me included have been watching the happenings around us but not taking any action. An enemy is coming against us and is already here. So what do we need to do?

Let’s have a look at one of the stories of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 in the Message Bible. King Jehoshaphat was told there was a great enemy army coming against him and his people. This would be scary. But what did the King do. In verse 3, it states:

3. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. ⁴ The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

He was scared but he didn’t run, he stood up and lead the people, not in war but in prayer; in seeking God. Notice that not some people came; they all did. This was a dire situation and they needed a plan and good leadership who sought God.

This is what we need to do. An enemy is arising to come against us so we need to wake up and run to God. I am speaking to me too- it is not a time to become complacent.

So Jehoshaphat prayed. He exulted and praised God then reminded Him of His Words concerning the people and the temple. He then laid out the problem to God. Then he humbled himself and asked for Gods answer. We don’t need man’s answer in times like this- we need Gods answer.

Then in verse 15, God answers through a Levite- one of Gods chosen priesthood and states, in part:

Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

God then outlines the strategy.

But I want us to take notice of something here. God told them not to fear- that the battle was Gods. However, they still had to take action. The next morning, the men put on their armour, they kissed their wives and children goodbye and went out to the battle.

They didn’t sit in their houses waiting for God. No they woke up, suited up and went out.

This army was not lead by the strongest fighters but the strongest praisers. God won the battle for them.

So let’s look at the steps in this story for us:

1. Pray and seek Gods wisdom.
2. Don’t fear- God is with us.
3. Wake up and armour up.
4. Praise God.
5. Watch what God does.

This week let’s wake up to what’s going on around us, follow the above steps and see a move of God come to our land. Are you ready?

Bless you and keep living the life God intended for you.

Karen