A Simple Matter

This is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord.

2 Kings 3:18

Has it ever looked like the enemy is winning? You've done what you think is what's needed, but you don't seem to be making headway?

That's just how it looked to the Israelites in 2 Kings 3.

King Jehoshaphat of Judah had gone north to help King Jehoram of Israel defeat the Moabites. But, the prospects for a victory just didn't look favorable, even with the king of Edom and his forces joining them. King Jehoram's reaction was a fearful panic—something that easily happens when you are not walking with the Lord God.

So, King Jehoshaphat—who did walk with God—had a great idea. Get the word of the Lord. Hear what He has to say. So they went to meet with the prophet Elisha.

Elisha's inquiry of the Lord brought good news. Unlike King Jehoram's belief that the Lord planned to deliver the three kings into the hand of Moab, Elisha told them that the Lord planned to do just the opposite.

In fact, Elisha said, "this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord." It was simple for the Lord to make a place lacking in water overflowing with it without wind or rain. And it was that water when it came that not only supplied the three kings and their entourage with all the water they needed but also turn the tide of the battle. The water caused the enemy to put themselves in a weakened position and the three kings came out victors over Moab.

While Jehoram lived in fear of man, Jehoshaphat chose faith in the Lord. Michael Youssef wrote, "When we live by faith [placing our "fear" in God], we know that even when the storm is at its worst, we can trust that God is working out His purposes for us." Jehoshaphat put his faith in God into practice. His first thought at Jehoram's voice of fear was to seek the Lord.

What about us, moms? What is our first thought when our children are panicking in fear? I pray we emulate King Jehoshaphat—let's take it to the Lord.

And, in the middle of the storm, remember, "I am" is holding on to you." (From "I Am" by David Crowder Band, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH_LLGiE0f0)