it’s GOD’s problem…

now this is a very unusual battle.  2 chronicles 20.17 (ncv).  he says, you’re not going to need to fight in this battle.  [what kind of battle is that?]  stand strong in your places and you will see the LORD save you. 

this verse, 2 chronicles 20:17, is the middle verse of the old testament for you trivia buffs.  but what’s important is the truth of it.  and the truth is this: it’s GOD’s problem; let HIM solve it.  you don’t have to fight.  relax.  trust HIM to work it out. 

so many of you are walking around with this atlas complex like you’ve got the whole world on your shoulders.  i want to invite you to resign as general manager of the universe.  GOD is GOD and you’re not.  you need to relax in faith. 

twice in this story, v. 15 & 17, GOD says, don’t be afraid or discouraged.  why?  because when we face overwhelming odds and responsibilities, we are afraid and we are discouraged.  but GOD says don’t do it. 

number one, it’s GOD’s battle.  and two, more importantly, GOD has never lost a battle.  never!  GOD has never lost a battle in the history of GOD. 

you don’t have to worry.  the outcome is inevitable.  the victory is assured.  the last chapter has already been written.  if i know going into the battle, that GOD’s going to fight it, that it’s HIS battle, i know HE’s not going to lose it, i know i’m already a winner.  so i can relax.

what does GOD want you to do if HE doesn’t want you to fight in the battle?  what are you supposed to do when you’re facing an overwhelming situation? 

two words:  stand strong.  what does it mean to stand strong? 

it is a mental attitude.  it’s an attitude of quiet confidence.  i’m not going to get ahead of GOD but i’m not backing up either.  i’m going to stay put and watch GOD work.  i am going to stand strong.  i’m not going to turn tail and run. 

one of the most important truths you have to learn in life is it is never GOD’s will for you to run from a difficult situation.  never.  if you do, HE’s going to bring it up again.  HE wants you to learn that HE is sufficient in every situation and if you don't learn it here, HE’ll just provide the opportunity again.

just a thought from the front porch…

you don’t let GOD down…

the reason why you're so fatigued all the time and so tired all the time is because you’re trying to fight battles that belong to GOD.  they’re GOD’s.  we assume GOD’s role. 

you think, “i will make this thing work.”  and out of sheer willpower we put our head down, our shoulder into it and buck up and say, “just out of my own willpower and energy i will... save this marriage... turn my kids around ... resolve my financial difficulties... find a life mate... make myself a success.”  out of sheer willpower.  you’re striving and fighting! 

time out!  GOD says, “this is not your battle.  It’s mine.  if you belong to me, I’ll fight your battle.” 

when i come to CHRIST and say, “JESUS CHRIST, i want to serve YOU the rest of my life.  i want YOU to be my master and i will be YOUr servant.”  when i put myself in the servant position to the MASTER GOD, the MASTER assumes responsibility for all the needs of the servant. 

if i live in the master’s house, he pays for my room, and board, and insurance, and cares for my medical needs and all the other things because I’m serving him.  when i come to CHRIST and say, “i’m yours,” HE assumes responsibility for my needs.  the battle is not mine anymore; it’s HIS. 

but we don't get this.  we try to fight GOD’s battles all the time.  we go out and work real hard and try real hard and we give it our best shot and inevitably we fail and we’re disappointed in ourselves and we come back with our heads bowed, our eyes droopy, our tail between our legs and we walk into GOD and say, “GOD, i’m so sorry.  i’ve really let you down.  i know that i tried hard and tried to do this and i’ve made a mess of it.  i blew it.  i have really let you down.  i’m sorry, GOD.” 

and GOD says, “wait just a minute!  let me clarify this.  you didn’t let me down because you’re not holding me up!” 

have you ever thought about that?  you don’t let GOD down because you don’t hold HIM up.  GOD holds you up; you don’t hold him up. 

you cannot disappoint GOD.  this is what grace is all about.  you don’t earn GOD’s pleasure, GOD’s approval.  it is a free gift when you trust in HIS SON CHRIST.  you don’t hold GOD up, HE holds you up.  you don’t help you.  HE helps you!  it’s not your battle!

just a thought from the front porch…