WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO

2Chronicles 20:1-30

Introduction:

We often face overwhelming, devastating, demoralizing, and distressing circumstances. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? How did Jehoshaphat get from these conditions, to victory and peace? He did it by setting himself to seek God, by turning to God in prayer, fasting, faith, obedience, and worship. In times of crises, we should do the same.

We should turn to God in:

1. Prayer and Fasting (verses 3-19)

a. Jehoshaphat set or determined to seek the Lord.

b. Jehoshaphat called a fast.

c. Jehoshaphat prayed. [verses 6-13]

1. His prayer was prompt. He did not waste time he got right to it.

2. His prayer was passionate.

d. God’s response [verses 14-19]

1. God’s response came thru an individual by His Spirit.

2. God’s response brought encouragement. [verse 15]

3. God’s response brought instruction. [verses 16-17]

4. God’s response brought praises. [verses 18-19]

2. Faith [verse 20]

a. Faith based on God’s person.

b. Faith based on God’s promises.

3. Obedience

Once we have received God’s instruction, we must act upon it.

a. Obey His general instruction. [15:1b / 17:3-4]

b. Obey His specific instruction.

4. Worship [verses 21-22 / 26-28]

a. Praise God before He brings victory. [verses 18-19]

b. Praise God while He is bringing victory. [verse 21-22]

c. Praise God after He brings victory. [verses 26-28]

The story’s conclusion: When Jehoshaphat turned and sought God in the face of he experienced blessings, rest, peace, and deliverance from his enemies.

The story’s message for us today: When we face overwhelming circumstances and don’t know what to do, we need to turn to God in prayer & fasting, faith, obedience, and worship. When we do, He will make our battle His own and bring victory, blessings, rest, peace, and deliverance into our lives.