Title: How To Face A Three Headed Hurricane
Bible Book: 2 Chronicles 20 : 1-24
Author: Vince Hefner
Subject: Faith; Victory; Problems, Overcoming
Objective:
Introduction
We all remember Katrina, the hurricane that ripped into Louisiana, and neighboring states, causing incredible damage. Now, here in 2008, we are watching as a series of 3 hurricanes roll in from the south. Gustav, Hannah, and now Ike have people in several states boarding up houses, hunkering down or escaping to higher ground.
I want to tell you about a man who faced a three headed hurricane. No, it was not a storm of atmospheric narute, but an attack by three nations against his nation.
To begin I want to ask you to think of your greatest challenge. Is it raising your children? Could it be a
financial crisis? Maybe it is a habit you cannot seem to break? Is it a relationship that is failing? What is your greatest challenge? I don’t want to scare you, but your greatest problem may not have even happened yet!
In our text today we read about a man named Jehoshaphat. He was the King of Israel, and he faced a three-headed monster coming at his nation. The monster was made up of three nations out to destroy the king and God’s people. What was he to do? He needed to do exactly what you and I need to do with our problems, challenges, and enemies.
I. Know the Problem
One must understand the importance of problems in life. They can make us or break us.
They can serve to destroy us or to develop us. It all depends on how we face these issues. The biggest problem is forgetting God in the midst of trouble. Consider three things related to this matter.
A. Problems Reveal your Character
When problems arise, they reveal what is inside you. An old country saying stated, “What’s in the well will come up in the bucket.” Back in the days when people had manual wells in their backyards, they would let a bucket down into the well and bring up water. Occasionally a person would drop the bucket down in the well, then pull up a frog in the water bucket. Whatever was in the well would come up in the bucket. That is the way it is with us. When we are under pressure, we show what is inside us. We reveal anger, depression, anxiety, or some other emotion. God wants us to reveal an attitude of faith in Him when we are in difficult situations.
B. Problems Reveal your Principles
Problems cause people to act in ways that are inappropriate at times. Stress during problems prompts many people to act in a wrong manner – often in a sinful manner. Some turn to drugs, alcohol or even crime in an attempt to escape problems. You can be sure that your problems will reveal your character, whether good of evil.
C. Problems Reveal your Faith
Most importantly, problems reveal what or who you trust most in life. When you face challenges, do you trust money, friends, health, or perhaps your own abilities; or, do you trust God with your money, friends, health and with your gifts or abilities. Faith in God does not mean that we do nothing, but rather true faith in God will lead us to deal with our problems in a way that brings honor to God and victory to us. That is what Jehoshaphat did! He trusted God in the face of the three-headed hurricane coming at him – and he won the victory.
II. Practice What You Preach
A. Jehoshaphat looked to God
The king did not focus on his problem, but rather he looked to God with faith and devotion. In his problems, he practiced the faith he had held during the good times. Faith must trust in the dark what God has revealed in the light. Saying we trust God in the good times and then going into a panic when problems arise, reveals that we do not have the deep faith necessary to win the victory.
B. Jehoshaphat called for a Fast
Jehoshaphat called for a fast., which means that he dedicated himself to God by denying himself food and asking the people of the nation to do the same. He participated in the fast and others followed his commitment and did the same. He wanted everyone to show God that their faith in God was real. Faith that will not pay a price is not likely real faith. Those who believe in the one who paid it all at Calvary ought never hesitate to do whatever is necessary to show dedication and faith in Him.
C. Jehoshaphat led the People
Realize that our problems are a chance for us to reveal our faith in God. Jehoshaphat used the problem he was facing and that his nation was facing to lead the people in trusting God more completely and totally. Our faith can prompt others to have faith as well.
III. Pray With Knowledge
A. Jehoshaphat knew the Past
Jehoshaphat recalled that he was in a long line of people who had faith in God. He remembered Abraham! When we are praying about a problem, we must recall how God has blessed those before us and how He has blessed us in the past. Such remembrances increase and grow our faith.
B. Jehoshaphat knew the Present
Jehoshaphat knew that he was not guilty of inciting the problem he was facing. Sometimes we cause our own problems, and when we do, we must admit it and make things right with God and others. But, in this case, Jehoshaphat knew that he had not provoked the enemies that were attacking him.
C. Jehoshaphat knew the Promises of God
As Jehoshaphat prayed, he reminded God of His promises. It is a good thing to repeat to the Lord His promises, and there are so many of them in His Word. We never do that because we think God has forgotten them, but rather to remind ourselves that these promises are real and powerful. We pray through His promises to reveal to God that our faith in Him is real. We want God to know that we are trusting Him totally and completely.
D. Jehoshaphat knew his Predicament
The King knew that what he faced was humanly impossible to overcome. He needed a miracle. He admitted his predicament. He told the Lord, “We can’t do it!” In doing so, Jehoshaphat was acknowledging that only a divine rescue could overcome the attackers that were approaching.
IV. Listen for the Pronouncement
God spoke through His chosen vessel. When you and I are facing hardships, we need to read His Word carefully so that we can rediscover what He has done and said. We also need to listen for God to speak through His chosen vessels. In this case, Jahaziel brought a message from the Lord to the King.
A. Don’t be Afraid
We must not fear. Fear and faith do not coexist. Fear can stop your faith and keep you from victory.
B. Don’t be Discouraged
Discouragement can and often leads a believer to make bad decisions. Keep your head up toward God and keep your heart filled with His encouragement.
C. Don’t fight GOD’S Battle
God says, “Don’t mess with MY business.” It is God’s battle – don’t move ahead of Him and don’t lack behind Him!
V. Praise God with Confidence
Before the answer comes, begin to praise God. Honor Him even before the blessing is given from above. This reveals with depth of your faith.
Conclusion
Why did Jehoshaphat place the choir in front of the army? Was it because he didn’t like the choir? Was it because the choir couldn’t sing? The choir was supposed to praise the Lord as a sign of faith, that is why the king placed them there. He sent the praise out before the army. Why? They were trusting God – not their army.
When praises go up, blessings come down! God will give you more than you can carry off! How you act in life, reveals who you believe in!
