Faith or Fear?

"Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."
2 Chronicles 20:20

     The Christians in Syria and other such places persecuted by the Islamic State (ISIS) are warned, "We're coming to get you" as ISIS marches across the land, purging anyone in their way. They mercilessly behead men, rape women, plunder towns, and impose high taxes as they strive to set up their caliphate. The very description of these dastardly acts stokes fear in the heart of mankind.

     What would you do if they came to your town?

     King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was told similar fear-invoking news as the Moabites and Ammonites came to make war in his land. Alarmed, he "resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah." (20:3) Gathering the citizens in front of the temple, as he prayed, he reminded God of his plan. "Didn't you drive out the inhabitants of this land so you could give it to Abraham, your friend? You said if calamity ever came upon us, we should cry out to you and you would hear us and save us." (paraphrase mine) At the end of his prayer, the great king surrendered in humility by saying, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." (20:12)

     As Christians, we are all part of one body of believers, so if our brothers and sisters in Syria face attrocities, so do we! We must assemble together and resolve to inquire of our God. Declare a fast; do without something you like so you can better implore of the Lord on their behalf. Remind God of his power and might, his promises and prophecies. In humility, hit your knees, acknowledging the omniscience of God. Christ is the Head of the Christian body and He is our Victor. Keep your eyes on Him. We have nothing to fear and all the reason in the world to have faith.

     "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's." (20:15)