A “through the bible” devotion from 2 Chronicles 20.
Sometimes you don’t have to do anything.
On the heels of Jehoshaphat’s prayer, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12), a Levite, Jehaziel, brings a spirit-filled message:
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” (20:17).
As they sang and gave praise to God, the Lord ambushes the attacking Moabite, Ammonite, and Edomite forces. In the ensuing chaos, they destroy each other. When it’s all over, there’s nothing left but dead bodies. And so much stuff left it takes them three days to collect it all.
I know. Sometimes you have to do your part. Sometimes God gives you the tools and the opportunities to get the job done. Sometimes you have to plant and water the seeds or go out looking for a lost sheep, or help out a stranger.
But sometimes, you don’t have to do anything but watch.
Just like Israel when God let the divided waters of the Red Sea rejoin to swallow up the entire Egyptian army (Exodus 14). All they had to do was watch and see what God could do.
Or like Peter and the apostles who an angel of the Lord opened up the prison doors and brought them out to continue their ministry (Acts 5). All they had to do was watch.
Or like Paul and Silas when the doors of their prison was opened and their shackles were unlocked. All they had to do was watch and see what God could do.
Sometimes he just wants me to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10). As David wrote, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch” (Psalm 5:3).
How does anyone know whether it time to get to work or time to stop and see what God is doing? I doubt there’s a strict formula for this.
Maybe I’m not sure what to do. Probably a good time to wait and watch.
Maybe it’s a situation that is out of my control. (Like changing or fixing someone. We never do that, do we? Lol.) Sounds like a time to wait and watch.
Maybe I need to listen rather than say something. Hit pause and listen. Listen to hear the story. Listen to understand. Listen to what God might be doing in this situation.
Maybe it’s something God has promised to take care of. He’s made many promises of provision and protection. If he clearly said in his word that he would take care of it, let him do his thing.
By the same token, I need to act on his clear commands in scripture, too. Without hesitation I’m to apologize, forgive, feed, and give an answer for the hope that I have.
Waiting and watching, acting and obeying – they can all be grace-filled moments.
Waite for it... 