Every day, I try to ignore the ugly, gigantic, round sign on our front lawn with the bright, bold words that read “For Sale.” Not only are the aesthetics an eyesore for our beautiful casita (small home in Spanish) but every time I see the sign, I feel my heart break more and more. Selling our home is not a decision my husband and I wanted to make; it’s one we were forced into due to financial hardships. And we’re not the only family facing these impossible decisions. . .
From trying to feed three growing teenagers who seem to consume endless amounts of food, to rising costs on everything, and finding myself between jobs, I often think, “I don’t know what to do.”
Some days, I feel confident enough to approach the throne of the Lord with boldness, asking Him and trusting in Him for all I need, thanking Him for all He’s already done, and eagerly awaiting His response to the things that remain. I feel confident as I trust His timing and His perfect will.
However, there are also days when I am convinced God is ignoring my prayers and takes pleasure in watching me struggle. Even though I know this is a complete lie from the enemy, sister, it sometimes still feels true. It’s still easy to believe I’m the only one who sees the reality of a situation and wonders, Where is God in all of this? How am I going to get through it? Where are you, God? I don’t know what to do!
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find the story of King Jehoshaphat leading the nation of Judah through a major crisis. A large army made up of Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites from Mount Seir came to attack Judah. There is so much in this chapter that amazes me about King Jehoshaphat — his faith, his audacity, and his trust in the Lord. This is what King Jehoshaphat says in his distress;
“Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 CSB
It’s clear that King Jehoshaphat had this urgent question for the Lord, almost like asking, “Aren’t you going to do something about this?” He also recognized his current situation and understood that he lacked the power to overcome it. What King Jehoshaphat knew was that his strength and victory came from the Almighty God — “We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
Even in His distress, King Jehoshaphat chose a posture of humility, surrender, and complete trust in the Lord.
As I read this passage multiple times, I had to grapple with the posture of my own heart regarding my current situation. I’ve had to accept that I don’t have all the answers and won’t ever have them all. That’s never been my job. Although my present circumstances are real and carry uncomfortable implications, I can acknowledge them, feel my emotions when they arise, and still surrender everything as I look to Jesus. We are not called to figure it all out — grasping for a false sense of control — but we’ve been invited to place all our cares in the hands of the One who already has it all figured out.
Oh friend, I know this is sometimes easier said than done. I, too, have cried out in desperation to Jesus, tired and depleted, asking how much longer, Lord?. I’ve declared I believe, but in the same breath, I ask Jesus to help me in my unbelief.
After King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah pray for help against the invading armies, they receive God’s instructions:
“You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’”
2 Chronicles 20:17 CSB
The word of the Lord to King Jehoshaphat was clear that day — and it’s the same word we can embrace today. Here are some things I believe the Lord is speaking to us.
1. “You do not have to fight this battle.”
Sister, we may be facing tough times, but let’s remember we don’t need to fight just for the hope of a victory. No, sister, we fight from a place of victory! God’s got this — He’s fighting for us!
2. “Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
In the midst of our impossible circumstances, I pray we would choose humility, surrender, and complete trust in the Lord. May He grant us peace in the waiting, knowing our redeemer lives. May the Lord open our eyes to see that Jesus, our Saviour, is here!
3. “Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
Let’s commit to not allowing fear to dictate our faith. Let’s not lose confidence in a God that remains faithful.
Amiga, I may not understand how tough your situation is, but I believe in the God who knows your circumstances completely, and He never leaves you. Even if you’re unsure what to do, God knows, so keep turning to Him for strength. As you face tomorrow, I leave you with the words the Lord spoke to King Jehoshaphat: “Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”
Keep going, friend. Face tomorrow confidently, for the Lord is with you.
Thank you Ligia this is so encouraging especially in the tough season I am in! God bless you!
Thank you, Jenny, for your words and for reading—May the Lord fill you with His love and grace as you continue through this challenging season. The Lord is near.
Thank You Lord for using Ligia even in her time of need. Thank you Ligia for being His messenger.
This last year has been such a lonely, bewildered time in my life.
Reading this this morning, it says everything that I couldn’t put into words.
I will face today and the future confidently remembering God goes before us.
Amen
Yes, Jesus, I thank you for how present you’ve been in my life, even when I can’t see you. Thank you for R.D., and I pray that even as she reads this, Jesus, she would feel your warm embrace. Remind her of how deeply she is loved by you and of your faithfulness.
“You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’”
2 Chronicles 20:17 CSB
Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Ligia, of how God loves us and cares for all our needs. We are so blessed to know that He is right here with us fighting for us in the midst of it all. He will never leave us and He will not fail or be defeated. I need to be reminded often that I do not have to fight this battle, certainly not alone.
Amen Gail! You are never alone. I bless you today, am grateful that you are part of our community, and am thankful that we can be a source of God’s love and a reminder that He is for you and with you. Sending you all the love.
Ligia,
While reading your palpable devotion, the verse which echoed in my soul is:
”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5
I have stood on this Scripture over the last 14 years and remain confident my prayer for family unity will be answered in God’s way and time. It is enduring confidence in His promise which keeps me on my difficult, knowing the glorious reunion to come.
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this verse and some of your experience with me. May the Lord continue to strengthen us through His grace, and we will continue to believe that in due time we will reap the harvest. Sending a big hug your way!
I need prayer please. I am postpartum and battling several health issues at once. God bless you <3
Heavenly Father, I lift Kristen up to you right now. You know exactly what she needs and how she is struggling. Precious Jesus, touch her body, mind and soul and restore her to good health. I ask this in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen ❤️
Dear God,
I thank you for my new friend, Kristen. I am grateful that you know her —her mind, heart, and soul. You see her and know her every need. Father, I pray today that you would comfort, strengthen and breathe your Holy Spirit’s peace in her life by your power and might.
I pray that your presence would envelop her, overflowing, trusting that you are with her as you’ve entrusted this new life into her hands. I pray that you would provide the support, community, finances, and resources in every way. I pray that you would restore her health and the joy of her salvation.
Today, she would not fear knowing that you are right there with her. I declare Psalm 23:1 over her life right now, “The Lord is my Shepherd and I lack nothing”, Father, that she lacks nothing because you lead her ways. I bless her and leave her in your hands, Jesus – Amen.
Amiga,
I’m praying right now for you and your precious family knowing that God will bring good out of this stressful financial season.
Thank you for your uplifting words in the midst of your struggle.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you got top dollar for your home and years later, you can look back and see why God moved you?
Oh, Lisa, thank you so much for that blessing of prayer and your encouragement. I agree —I can’t wait to share with you all how the Lord is working all things out for my good, and I’m sending you much love!
Dear Ligia……I always enjoy your devotions and today was a really wonderful reminder that we don’t have to fight our problems alone. I have always known this, but this situation has been going on for 5 years now, and to be honest Ligia, I am weary, anxious and having a certain amount of fear as I go through the “wait”. I praise God every day for the beautiful creations He has made for us and I smile. That smile takes me to the (in)courage devotion for the day, and that always makes me feel much better and I know then that I can face my day with positive thoughts. Certainly, I am not saying I don’t have those days that I I just stay in my apartment and cry and pray. Living in a Senior Living facility is difficult where 100 people live and 92% should not be here as there is no care and it is Independent Living, but they allow anyone who can pay the rent to come in. I have seen so many people come here looking fine and then just watch them go downhill quickly and end up dying due to toxic food that is being served. Those people were my friends and I grieve every time one of them disappear. We are never told anything so we don’t even know where they are, Yet they advertise that this is a place that you find neighbors and others that you may sit with at meals and you become family. This does not happen due to management not even seemingly care about us. I have been here for 2 years and I knew after 2 weeks that this was not the place for me. There is so much more to the story, but no time to tell it all. Thank you so much Ligia for your wise words that urge me to still have hope. I wish you a blessed week as we head toward another holiday and I am so glad that your situation has been reconciled. Praise the Lord !! Love to you……Betsy Basile
Dear Jesus, I pray for Betsy today. I thank you for her life and legacy, for her love and devotion to you.
I pray that you would bring peace to her place of living and that she would be able to find rest, both physically and in her heart.
Please remind her of how much you love her and that she is never alone. May you Spirit fill her with joy to overflow today.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Ligia, I love this! Yes! We have God to fight our battles. We do need to stand firm, while we trust in Him. So much is out of our control right now. We need to stand firm and support the people around us. Our God has got this!
Yes, Irene, God’s got this!
¡Bendiciones, Amiga!
Thank you for the timely devotion. Reading all the comments the tough situations – I have prayed for you and for each of the respondents that are struggling.
This morning is also challenging – I am 3.5 weeks post neck surgery and woke up today with a return of some of the weakness that sent me to surgery in the first place-I am terrified -yes – God is in control – surrender.
Susan, I am believing for full healing and restoration of your neck. The Lord is still in the business of healing and redeeming all things. May He be your strength, and may this be a strong recovery as you turn to Him in this process. Thank you for praying for all the ladies who have shared. I bless you in Jesus’ name.
I truly needed this today, by my own will I put my trust completely in the Lord and I will praise Him through this storm as i STAND KNOWING THE VICTORY IS ALREADY mine.
Amen Aryana – the victory is yours!
Ligia, Consider it pure joy, my sister, whenever you face trails or going through a storm, know that the testing of your faith produces perserverance, James 1: 2-3. An unexplainable joy that surpasses all understanding, despite what you are going through or how you made have feel, God is with you, sis.
Dale, thank you so much for sharing that scripture and reminder, Jesus is with me, Amen.
Much love to you, blessings!