We started a new tradition in our home recently. We have come to realize that our kids and their spouses may not know, remember or might not even think about some of our experiences that our fifty years of living has given us insight on. We thought we would let them all ask one question about us that they would like to know. Thankfully most of them were pretty light, but my son went ahead and asked the deep question – was there ever a time when there was no light, no way out of an experience and what did you do? Great question and I was reminded of that as I read Jehoshaphat’s story – what did he do when there was no hope?
Early the next morning, as everyone got ready to leave for the desert near Tekoa, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen my friends, if we trust the Lord God and believe what these prophets have told us, the Lord will help us, and we will be successful.” Then he explained his plan and appointed men to march in front of the army and praise the Lord for his holy power by singing:[g]
“Praise the Lord!
His love never ends.”
As soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy camp, so that the Ammonite and Moabite troops attacked and completely destroyed those from Edom. Then they turned against each other and fought until the entire camp was wiped out! – 2 Chronicles 20:20-23 CEV
My wife and I shared with our family that there is no other way but prayer. No matter what, where, why, when or how, God’s love for you will keep you safe. We shared a few stories and all of them involved having a conversation with God.
I pray that the Lord
will listen
when you
are in trouble,
and that the God of Jacob
will keep you safe. – Psalm 20:1 CEV
There is something amazing when I have invited God into my space. He takes all that I give Him. He has never asked me to do anything, especially singing in public. However, He has asked me to wait, He has asked me to stay still and He always asks to leave things in His hands. When we stand with Jesus, He stands with us and when we enter His presence on the last day, He will greet us and say, “Well done!”
Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.” – Matthew 3:17 CEV
Thank you Lord that I could answer my son’s question. I pray that any member of my family will reach out to You regardless of where they are in relationship with You or the difficulty they are facing. Amen
Erwin (evanlaar1922)
Sixty-six books in a year 
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