travelling light (daily devotions for your elective)

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Day 54: We Don’t Know What to Do!

II Chronicles 20: 12
We Don’t Know What to Do!

The story behind this verse is of a small nation, faced by overwhelming odds, and experiencing the frustration and fear also felt by so many today. Even in professional life, we face vast problems. Yet we have a choice as to how we react: do we panic, or pray? Prayer helps us to find proper perspective.

God’s power is great. He has proved Himself sovereign and faithful in the past and the same is true of Him now as it was then (Hebrews 13: 8). He is completely trustworthy and we can rely on His promises. ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s’. (II Chronicles 20: 15). At times of crisis we are not to run anywhere but to Him (II Chronicles 6: 15 - 17). If the crisis is of our own making, we need to turn in repentance (6: 24 - 25) but then can rely on His mercy. The focus is not to be so much on the problem itself as on God’s ability to resolve it.

We gradually learn to understand that following God’s direction and leading does not mean leading a problem-free life. It can be the opposite. Yet through His death and resurrection, our Lord Jesus invites us to share in His victory (I John 5: 5). We may also share some of His suffering, in a world so much at odds with Him (Philippians 3: 10).

Recognising our own inadequacy demands humility, best found in reflection on His great might and everlasting love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
We rest on Thee and in Thy name we go.
 &nbps;  Edith Gilling Cherry (d. 1897)