SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 26

Top Takeaway from Jessica Hottle:

In Chapter 19, Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem in peace by the great ways he took to reform his kingdom and the instructions he gave to his judges. Chapter 19 ended with peace, and sadly, chapter 20 began with distress, frustration, and fear. 

When Jehoshaphat heard many were coming against him for battle, he did two things. Scripture says that he feared then:

1. "Set himself to seek the Lord" 2 Chronicles 20:3.
2. "Proclaimed a fast throughout all Judea" 2 Chronicles 20:3.

Jehosaphat was intentional. Setting yourself up to seek the Lord doesn't always come easy; it comes with practice. Some like to say practice makes perfect. I like to say practice makes better. 

The more time we spend with God, the more our ears bend toward His Word and the more our souls turn to Him in the midst of our uncertainty. What we focus on we get more of. Seeking the Lord comes with intention. (I want to know His thoughts towards my situations more than my feelings. Amen?!)

Jehosaphat was humble. That's what comes to my mind with the second thing Jehoshaphat did. He enlisted the help of others to come alongside him. He couldn't do this alone. He wanted unity, and he wanted God to have His way so that the people could come together, confess their sins, and ask the Lord for help. 

"Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Jehosaphat surrendered the results. May you, too, surrender the feelings of defeat and set your eyes on the Father! There is no defeat in the Kingdom of God—only the defeat against the enemy. 

Father, today I offer up the places and situations that go against Your Word. When it feels like too much to carry, I know I don't have to carry it alone. Show me the path to take; my eyes are on You! I love You, Amen!