"How to conquer
SUFFERING
and find true relief!"
(Read 2 Chronicles  20:1-26 NTL)

"After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Word reached Jehoshaphat that `a vast army is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea from Syria. It is already at Hazazon-tamar' (also called Engedi)." (vv.1-2)

1. Pray for guidance
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him."  (vv.3-4 NIV)

When you are facing an overwhelming obstacle - seek God's guidance on what to do. Here you see the King gathered all the people for corporate prayer. 

2. Go to Church
"Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard ---" (vv.5-6a, 9)

The King and all the people gathered together at the Temple for a corporate assembly.  Today, we call this Church. The best thing we can do when we are hit with hardships - is to continue to faithfully attend church. However, what sometimes happens is just the opposite. We often get upset at God because of the circumstances we are enduring. We know and believe God can do all things, yet when it appears that God is not answering our prayers the way we think He should, we show it by not going to "His house." Kinda like a child who holds back their affection from their parents when they don't get their way. 

3. Remember past victories
"O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name---" (vv.7-8)

It is important to look back at how God gave us past victories. This helps us to remember that the same God who got us through in the past, is the same God who will get us through in our present sorrows. 

4. Confess your sins
'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'" (v.9 cf, 1Kings 8:27-30)

While at the Temple, the King asked God to save them from the coming war even if it was brought about because of their own sins. Here we see corporate penance. When hardships come our way, we should always examine if we brought it upon ourselves because of the choices (sin) we made. If it is, we need to repent, and go to God for forgiveness.  God is still willing to help us even if it was our actions that got us into the mess.

5. Depend totally on God
"O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help."  (v.12 )

It is usually when we get in over our heads that we cry out to God for help.  Fortunately, He is still there and He still cares.  Let's not wait to call on God as a last resort. Talk to Him always, during the good and bad times. And when you experience something out of your control - totally depend on Him. It is at this time when we will experience His power and presence!

6. Receive God's word from His messenger(s)
"As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel---" (vv.13-14 )

Most of us believe that God speaks. However, we only usually listen when it's something we want to hear. When we go to God for guidance - we must be willing to listen to whatever He says, because He has the answers to get us through. He often uses people to share His Word and or give guidance and direction. Don't "turn off" the messenger, if God is giving you a message.  

7. Do your part
"Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the
ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel." (v.16)

"What - march out against them!!!!!!  This sounds crazy. We are already out numbered and overpowered."  Yes, you heard correctly. In fact - the instructions and guidance God normally gives us is often contrary to human logic. Note below just a a few of God's way of doing things:

* To be first in the Kingdom you got to be last down here (Luke 13:29-30)
* Love your enemy and pray for those who hurt you (Matt.5:44)
* To be a great leader you must be a good servant (Matt 20:24-28)
* To have more - you need to give more away (Luke 6:38)
* Put God first, then everything else will fall in place! (Matt.6:33)
* When in debt - try tithing (Malachi 3:6-12; Proverbs 3:5-12)

We have to do your part, no matter how illogical it may sound, and then God will do His part. This is the way God tests and builds our faith. 

8. Be confident and courageous
"But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory." (v.17)

Often what God asks from us takes great courage!!!!! It took courage for the King and his army to march out against a stronger and more powerful opponent. It will take confidence and courage for us to face our problems. Remember, courage is not fearlessness. In fact it is the opposite - moving forward in spite of our fears. 

9. Believe - faith in action
"Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness ---  On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, `Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."(v.20)

One only proves they "truly believe" when they take action on that belief.  Those who say they believe, yet do nothing -  prove it was only words. As they marched out to face their enemy, the King saw that they were afraid. He stopped them and reminded them to BELIEVE in what God said!

10. Praise the Lord with music and song
"--- the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor---." (v.21a)

Hear (pun - intended) you see that music and songs play a vital role in helping us over come our fears, sorrow, and builds confidence and convection. Somehow in God scheme if things, corporate singing and praise - has supernatural power! When King Saul was demon oppressed - music was the only thing that brought comfort (1 Sam. 16:16)

I can't stress enough how important corporate singing and praise is for  Christians.  It deeply saddens me as a Pastor to see people straggle in late for church and miss some of the music. It's like walking in on our best friends wedding - when it is half over. What are we saying to your friend? What are we saying to Jesus when we come in late to worship?

When you are going through a rough time - saturate your mind and heart with Christian music!!!! You will find relief.

11. Be positive 

"This is what they sang: `Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!' " (v.21b)

Words are very powerful.  When we complain, gripe, and are flat out - negative, we give power to the enemy to fill our minds and hearts with his poison. When we confess out loud God's promises and His goodness, in the mist of our trials, we give glory to God and His Spirit fills us with His grace (power to endure and overcome). Remember, what we speak - is what really is going on in our heart (Matt. 12:33-37; Eph. 4:30-31).

Conclusion:
"At the moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies --- to start fighting among themselves.  The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had finished off the army of Seir, they turned on each other."  (vv.22-23)

Notice, the moment they put into action the plan - they found victory!!!!!

"King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables--more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!"  (v.25)

They passed their test and were now being blessed. They sought God in time of trouble, obey His direction (as foolish as it may have seemed), and God blessed them more then they could have imagine.  

"On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today."  (v.26)

That which was about to defeat them turned out to bless them. Are you going through a rough time? Hold on and do what He says. Your sorrow can also be turned into a "Valley of Blessing."   

What is the bottom line to conquering Suffering and finding true relief?

WORSHIP!