Jumping Jehosaphat

Why do we make believing in God's goodness so difficult? Or maybe it's only me. I have been so frustrated with myself lately. Jesus has been with me throughout my life and my being here blogging is a miracle in itself. I am sure it's true for many of you, too. We all have been through many events in our lives and wonder how we survived it physically or emotionally.

As I stated before I've been reading Chronicles. Last night I was reading II Chronicles 17 - 22. Jehoshaphat walked with Lord and the Lord established his kingdom. God protected Jehoshaphat and he became very powerful. Have you ever been in that place where you delight yourself in the Lord? His greatness takes over you and nothing can penetrate your love for Him. Well I shouldn't say nothing because one thing always breaks that bond, sin.

Let's shorten Jehoshaphat's name to JJ. In chapter 18 JJ hooks up with Ahab, king of Israel to go against Ramoth, big mistake. In the midst of this battle JJ cried out to the Lord and guess what, the Lord saved him. Wow...JJ goes against God and because JJ cried out God saves him. What an awesome God we serve. JJ brought the people back to the Lord. The people of Moab and Ammon rise against Judah. Because JJ sought the Lord, the Lord said "Don't be afraid for the battle is not yours but MINE."

When the soldiers of Judah arrived to the battle all the bodies were dead because God had set up an ambush and the Moabites and Ammonites destroyed each other. There was abundance in valuables and the people of Judah were able to retreat them all and they rejoiced. Do you think that was enough to keep loving God? To stay be His side? God blesses us everyday and it's not enough for us.

Towards the end of his reign, JJ allied once again with a wicked King, Ahaziah and the Lord destroyed his works. Why? Why would Jehoshaphat keep hooking up with the wicked kings when God blessed him abundantly? Does that sound like you? It sure sounds like me.

God pours down His grace every morning on all who believe in Him. What do we do with it? Do run to Him and praise Him? Do we run towards the wicked kings? It takes work to keep our eyes on God. This morning I prayed for God to deliver me from speaking negative through-out my day. I did pretty good till the evening, then Tati, my younger daughter, asked me, "Mom do you remember what you prayed for this morning?" Conviction.

God has always blessed my life even when I took it for granted. This year God has poured His blessings full force on our lives, but because of the storm that is surrounding us we don't see. I should say we don't choose to see it, to see HIM.

My prayer is for us to focus on God's goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His love. I pray that we will able to stay away from the wicked kings and keep our eyes on HIM and His greatness.

He loves you and He is waiting for YOU.

Marisol