Surrender

{Here Comes Trouble Series Sermon #1}

Surrender

2 Chronicles 20: 1 – 19

This story is about a man named Jehoshaphat and the trouble he faced. It wasn't trouble that he went looking for; it invaded his life uninvited, threatening to destroy all he had ever accomplished.

Jehoshaphat wasn't ready for such a battle, but he got ready, fast. In the process, he learned how to win life’s biggest battles — not just barely, but brilliantly.

Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah in 900 BC. He was a good king, though not perfect. He made some mistakes, he had to be corrected a time or two, but the driving force of his life was to serve God and serve God’s people.

What Jehoshaphat faced we also face from time to time: big trouble closing in from every side. This king of ages past gives us a good example to follow today. If you’ve ever had problems, I think you’ll like this story.

So, take your Bibles and turn with me to the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles 20.

The nation of Judah was thriving under King Jehosaphat’s leadership. He brought them success on the battlefield. He developed a system of public education, setting up learning centers throughout the country where the Law of God could be taught. He safeguarded against drought and national emergencies by storing food and supplies in specially created fortified cities. He established a network of judges to hear cases and administer justice in each community. He was an honest man with good motives who did his work with excellence.

And this is where our story begins. Look at verses 1 & 2.

“1 After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.’”.

In short, they were saying, “King, here comes trouble.”.

I have to tell you, it’s bad enough to go to war against one enemy. Jehoshaphat faced three. These armies formed a colossal alliance with the singular purpose of defeating Jehoshaphat, conquering his kingdom, enslaving his people, and taking control of his land. Three enemies at once: together they comprised a terrifying, perhaps undefeatable, opponent.

Has something like this ever happened to you? You're working hard, doing your job as best you can, when suddenly it seems that all your enemies and every negative thing in the world conspire against you.

That’s the thing about trouble. Our problems aren’t like the ninja fighters in the movies, politely waiting to attack one at a time. No, real life problems come at you all at once: a lack of money, a health scare, job insecurity, marital trouble — it’s like they form an alliance, making themselves too big for you to handle alone. Has it happened to you? Is it happening now?

Your first response might be the same as Jehoshaphat’s. The Bible says he was terrified. Scared stiff. He knew what he was up against. He knew he was in over his head. His exact words are contained in verse 12.

12 “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do...”.

As you scan the horizon, maybe you see what he saw: a terrifying army marching your way. This can be a good thing. Why? Because it means that, just like Jehoshaphat, you’re about to witness the mighty hand of God.

Listen folks, when trouble strikes, it’s time to get serious about seeking God.

Former baseball great Satchel Paige once said, “Don't pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.”. This sounds like good old salt-of-the-earth wisdom, but it’s terrible advice. In my opinion, good advice never begins with the phrase, “Don’t pray.”.

You already know that it’s a terrible mistake to not pray when the sun is shining. Everybody knows that. But it’s foolish to compound this mistake by refusing to pray when the rain starts pouring down. Even if you haven’t prayed enough in the past, when trouble comes then it’s time to start praying more than ever.

Now, I’m not talking about a half-hearted plea for help: “God, get me out of this mess so that I can get on with my life.”. I’m talking about deep heart-felt prayer, prayer that pursues the presence of God: “Lord, reveal yourself to me. Reveal your will to me. Tell me what to do. Show me what to change. Lead me where I need to go.”.

This was how Jehoshaphat responded to the situation. He was terrified, at first, when he received the “here comes trouble” reports. But he knew what to do next. Look at verse 3.