In everything give thanks for this is the will of God… (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
Michael, a golf buddy of mine, has prostate cancer. Before he saw his doctor earlier this month, his PSA had been holding steady around 15. We talked on the phone soon after.
“I’m praying your PSA dropped.” I said. “What’d he say?”
“Walking down the hall before I talked to him,” Michael said, “I felt God said to me ‘I’ve got you.’”
“What’d the doctor say?” I asked again.
“It’s up, 21.”
I took a deep breath and glued my ear to the phone. This was not good news. I told myself, Just listen.
“God has given me Isaiah 40:10-13 and 2 Chronicles 20,” he said.
He paused. I heard pages ruffle. He began to read.
…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…those who strive against you shall be as nothing… nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not… I am the one who helps you.”
He sighed. Then our line went silent, until I heard the ruffling of pages again.
“Listen to this one,” Michael said, “2 Chronicles 20.” He began to read, excitedly, beginning at verse 15.
“Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah… This is what the Lord says …‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle… stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them… and the Lord will be with you.’”
He read on with gusto.
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people… fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites… stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
Early in the morning… Jehoshaphat stood and said… “Listen to me… Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of hisholiness…
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
You may know how the story ends. God led them to victory the next day. Because they obeyed God and stood firm in faith.
When I hung up I thought, Amazing, God replaced Michael’s fear with gratitude.
This is the winning attitude. We possess it when we are in the Scriptures, believe, obey and give thanks. Like Jehoshaphat three thousand years ago, or like Michael today.
—
Jim Hiskey
October 22, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.