By Cindy Phillips
2 Chronicles 18 tells the story of Ahab, King of Israel and Jehoshaphat, King of Judah going to war together. King Ahab was a wicked King. King Jehoshaphat was a Godly king. King Jehoshaphat went to visit King Ahab, and while there, was convinced to join King Ahab in a battle against Ramoth Gilead (in Syria). We do not see anywhere that King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord’s direction as to whether or not he should join Israel in this battle. Vs 3 says he simply made a commitment to go to war. It was only after saying he would go that he asked for the Prophets for a Word from the Lord. Many false prophets said “go, God will deliver Ramoth Gilead into the King’s hand”. At this time King Jehoshaphat sensed these prophets were not from God so he asked for a Prophet of God. Reluctantly King Ahab called Micaiah and he revealed the battle would not go well.
Yet to battle the two kings went.
King Ahab tricked King Jehoshaphat into wearing his kingly robes, knowing the king of Syria would target the king. King Ahab wore a disguise. When the battle got fierce as King Jehoshaphat was targeted, he cried out to the Lord and He helped him (2 Chronicles 18:31).
Notice God helped the King when he humbled himself and cried out even though he made bad choices which got him into trouble in the first place.
We know we should seek God before making decisions. We know God will answer us. Yet most of the time we go about making decisions as if there is no God. When we get ourselves in a predicament of our own causing don’t we act as if we deserve the trouble that comes our way? Yet God is merciful! He is faithful! Don’t be afraid to cry out to Him. God loves you so much and wants to rescue you. Will you cry out to Him? Certainly the best way is to (Matt 7:7-11) ask Him, then seek Him and knock and He will open the door (direction) for you but even when you don’t, He is never far from you.
You have these sure promises from His Word;
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried out and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
Whatever you are facing today, take the time to seek the Lord. When you get into trouble humble yourself and cry out to the Lord. His rescue is available. Will you grab the lifeline?