Let Us Look to Jesus
Dr. John K. Mathew
People handle their issues differently.
When there is a problem some try to cover up it. Some try to deny it, although denial doesn't solve their problem. Some others try to ignore it and many people become get panicky. It all depends upon the nature, beliefs, and personalities of people. However, few others look to the face of God when they have to deal with serious issues.
Jehoshaphat's is the best example. Three powerful enemies joined together to fight against Jehoshaphat and his kingdom. They were the Moabites, the Ammonites, and, the Meunites. They appeared quite unexpected and naturally Jehoshaphat was afraid.
In this difficult situation, he decided to look to the face of God. He says, "O, our God will you not render judgment on them ? We do not have enough strength to stand before this great army coming against us. And we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are on you." (2 Chro. 20: 12). When he decided to look on the face of God his faith was anchored on three things. First and foremost 'Faith in God'. He has a personal experience with this God, the God of his fathers. In the words of Moses, "Lord you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God'' (Psa. 90:1). Secondly, faith in 'God's character.' God doesn't change his character like men or He is not a man who keeps changing His words. Apostle Paul says," If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." ( 2 Timo. 2:13). Thirdly, Jehoshaphat strongly believes in 'God's promises.'
When King Solomon dedicated the Temple, he offered a long lamenting prayer to God Almighty. After the dedication of the Temple, God appeared to him a second time and said, "I have heard your prayer and supplication, which you made before me" ( 1 Kings 9;3). Jehoshaphat believed in God and His promises and he acted according to the instructions of God. The Scripture says that he won the battle. The battle belongs to the Lord. In our Christian walk, we all deal with issues and problems.
The best way to face it is to look to the face of God. One of the best lessons we learned from our founding fathers is that they had no place to look at other than the face of God. Our church came this far, because of our dependence on God. Let us continue to look to His face.
