2 Chronicles 20:3 (AMP)
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Emergency drills are a mandatory part of every organization’s quality standard requirement.
Emergencies are unexpected and catch us off guard. Quick and appropriate action can avert huge damages. Emergency responses are thought of and planned during normal times. Every organization that follows good quality standards is expected to have planned drills or protocols to follow in times of emergency, times when there is no time to think, time only to act. Wise organizations prepare for times of disaster, shutdown and crisis. And they train and equip their employees in non-crisis times on how to handle crisis through life-like simulations and drills.
On a personal front, every one of us faces crises too. Challenges of health, finance, relationships are all very real parts of every life. The question is, do you have an emergency drill for times of personal crisis?
When the Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunite’s rose in battle against Judah, King Jehoshaphat had a huge crisis on his hand. Interestingly, this crisis came immediately on the heels of a mountain top experience of spiritual restoration (2 Chronicles 19). The news of the fast approaching mighty army, caused Jehoshaphat’s heart to melt with fear. He was overwhelmed, freaked out. Jehoshaphat felt weak and powerless against this seemingly mighty foe. He was simply petrified.
And yet, when crisis hit, Jehoshaphat knew exactly what to do. He didn’t even have to stop to think, it seems. He put his emergency drill into immediate effect. The Bible in 2 Chronicles 20:3 states the situation and the solution and his response plainly.
When Jehoshaphat heard of the approaching armies he was petrified. But his fear did not paralyze him but moved him into his emergency drill mode. He had his strategy for battle, the situation all clear. Jehoshaphat was very sure of what he needed to do and how to go about it. He set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
The Lord was his quick and sure solution. Leading his countrymen in a nationwide fast and earnest fervent prayer was his solution, his emergency drill for times of crisis. And in the ensuing verses, we read and know that this strategy was effective and gave him the desired results.
When the battles of life loom large, what is your emergency drill? When faced with unexpected challenges who or what do you turn to? Would you take time to put your battle strategy in place today and like Jehoshaphat determine to seek the Lord earnestly?
Gracious God, help me to set my heart firmly to seek you and your grace when crisis does come.
- Have there been moments when fear, doubt, or loneliness overwhelmed me, and how did I handle those feelings?
- Are there specific spiritual or personal practices that I can incorporate into my life to help me navigate difficult situations?
- What steps can I take today to strengthen my ability to respond effectively to personal crises and maintain faith and resilience?
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