Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 23
But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders... (2 Chronicles 23.1)
Devotional Thought: Whether it's a golfer with a two shot lead on the 18th tee, a tennis player ahead 5-1 in a set, or a football team with a three touchdown cushion in the fourth quarter, we say, "Victory is there for the taking." We understand that in sports, but do we apply it in spiritual matters?
Jehoiada, confident in the God he served, realized that victory was there for the taking. Even though Athaliah had established a reign of terror for seven years, Jehoiada knew that God had preserved young King Joash in fulfillment of his promise to David: "If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel" (1 Kings 2.4).
How, in spite of the circumstances, did Jehoiada gain victory? He...
Took time. Jehoiada knew how to wait on God's timing. He realized that God's plans are sometimes delayed in their fulfillment. When we get into a hurry, we often run right past God's provisions, inviting disaster. Faith waits on the timing of God.
Took courage. After seven years of terror, it would be easy to remain hidden. Reminding himself of the faithfulness of God, however, Jehoiada renewed his lagging confidence. Faith stands on the Word of God.
Took help. Jehoiada knew that God had placed others in his life to help him gain the victory. Those commanders were indispensable to the working out of God's plans. Faith works with the people of God.
Victory is ours for the taking. We do have a lead going into the fourth quarter. For God "gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15.57)!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you give us victory. Because of your death and resurrection, victory is mine for the taking. I can wait on your timing, stand on your Word, and work with your people. Amen!
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78:32-39
32 In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.
33 So he made their days vanish like a breath, and their years in terror.
34 When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly.
35 They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.
39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.
Comments