Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Genesis 18:14
There have been situations in my life where I have felt utterly helpless and discouraged. Even with all the knowledge and conviction I have about God’s might and God’s power, there have been times when my tears have flowed unchecked; times when I have felt totally abandoned in the battle; and I have wondered who would fight for me. Fortunately, these low times did not last. The word of God has always brought me relief in the darkest moments and during seasons of intense spiritual warfare.
Perhaps this is how King Jehoshaphat felt when the Moabites and Ammonites ganged up against him and Israel in 2 Chronicles 20. They were formidable opponents, ready for war and used to taking captives. Instead of succumbing to fear and helplessness, Jehoshaphat does the one thing that teaches us how we ought to respond to spiritual warfare. King Jehoshaphat stood (Ephesians 6:13-14), and then he led the people in prayer and praise to God, giving him thanks for his everlasting love. I cannot even begin to imagine having this response amid a fiery trial, and yet this is what true faith looks like. It is exhibiting confidence in the outcome one hopes for and having assurance in what one does not yet see (Hebrews 11:1). God honored King Jehoshaphat’s faith by giving him victory over his fearsome opponents.
Many people are experiencing spiritual warfare: prolonged unemployment, the threat of joblessness, crippling poverty and unpaid bills, dysfunctional and broken families, diagnoses of terminal illnesses, paralyzing uncertainty, intense loneliness and so much more. You probably feel like you are alone in this war. You cannot see your way out. Let King Jehoshaphat’s righteous response in the face of opposition instruct you. First, stand! All the power of the resurrection is within you and through the Presence of the Holy Spirit you are already an overcomer. Secondly, pray and praise God for his everlasting love in all circumstances. Exhibit a steadfast faith that does not wait for evidence, for as the Bible says: “The just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38).
Amid intense spiritual warfare let us ask ourselves: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” My prayer for us all is that the answer will be a resounding “NO!!”, every… single… time! AMEN.