IN TIMES OF TROUBLE OR CONFUSION
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.” Judges 20:26, ESV
Theme: Fast when seeking God’s will in times of confusion or great spiritual battles.
A TROUBLING PASSAGE
In Judges, Chapter 20, the Israelites were at war with their Hebrew brothers, members of the tribe of Benjamin. They had been defeated on two previous attempts and were seeking the Lord as to whether to proceed in battle or not. Although I cannot imagine this exact situation in my life, there have been times when I needed to confront someone dear to me. At times, there were decisions I needed to make which seemed to be of an intense spiritual nature, battles which seemed so confusing that I was unsure what was “right” or “wrong” and could not make out what God was asking of me!
WHAT DO I DO?
A time of fasting and prayer is just what is needed for a season of confusion or conflict. Intentionally focusing on God and His will helps me calm down, stops the panic and the pressure to act, and gives me space to hear. I have found that most decisions do not need to be made immediately. If I don’t have time to pray, that itself is a flag that I need to make time to pray and seek God.
Mike once asked one of his professors--a very spiritual man from Nigeria--to pray for him. Professor Obaji replied that he “would first pray about what to pray” for Mike. He did not quickly agree, but went to God, asking His plan for Mike and how he should pray for him. That kind of deliberate attention to what God would have us do is crucial to hearing from Him, especially in times of conflict, confusion, or stress.
Make It Personal: As we learned in week two of this series, fasting does not mean we get what we want. It doesn’t mean that we always hear from God. But I have found that setting aside that intentional time and telling God I am listening and willing to submit often leads to next steps. Maybe He does not tell me His whole plan for the situation, but I am assured of what I am to do first or maybe next. Is there a situation that has you confused? I challenge you to slow down, take it to God, fasting and praying for His direction in your life.
Pray: Lord, I find myself confused, dismayed, wondering where to turn. What is right can seem wrong, and what is evil can seem acceptable. Please guide me. Give me direction and next steps. I lay my worries, my decisions, and my confusion before You. I ask for Your wisdom and Your peace. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Psalm 34:4-7, 15; Isaiah 41:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:9, ESV