Devotion: Muscling Through

 

The Bible in One Year: Psalm 148-150/1 Corinthians 15:29-58

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:2-3, 14-12

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. ~2 Chronicles 20:3

Muscling Through

Competitive bodybuilders put themselves through a rigorous training cycle. During the initial months, they emphasize gaining size and strength. As the competition nears, the focus shifts to losing any fat that hides the muscle. In the final days before the competition, they consume less water than normal so their muscle tissue is easily visible. Because of the reduced consumption of nourishment, despite appearing strong.

In 2 Chronicles 20, we read of the opposite reality: acknowledging weakness in order to experience God’s strength. “A vast army is coming against you,” people told King Jehoshaphat. So “he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (v.3), depriving himself and all his people of nourishment. Then they asked God for help. When he finally mustered his military, Jehoshaphat placed singers who praised God at the front of his army (v. 21). As they began to sing, the Lord “set ambushes against the men . . . who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (v. 22).

Jehoshaphat’s decision demonstrated deep faith in God He purposefully chose not to depend on his own human and military prowess but instead to lean on God. Rather than trying to muscle our way through the trials we face, may we turn to Him and allow Him to be our Strength. [Kirsten Homberg]

Read “The Strength of Weakness” at discoveryseries.org/hp144.

We must recognize our weakness to experience God’s Strength!!!!!