Between a Rock and a Hard Spot
Today's Verse:
And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. ~2 Chronicles 13:14
Have you ever found yourself between a rock and a hard spot? I am referring to where the circumstances were so tough that you could not turn back and you were unsure whether you could go forward. If you’ve been at a place like this, you know that it is a very uncomfortable place to be in. You have doubts, fears, uncertainties, and many second guesses. We become paralyzed and have little to no faith in our ability to make a sound call. Worse, we have doubts in God’s ability to help us in our time of need. This morning, let us consider what Abijah and Judah did when they found themselves between a rock and a hard spot.
We see a terrified request.
“And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.” Abijah and Judah prayed to God. They called on God with intense earnestness. Frankly, they were terrified that they were trapped and were desperate in their cry. We forget how much we need the Lord until we find ourselves in a tight predicament. David said, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered from all my fears.” Sometimes we will find ourselves making terrified requests.
We see a tenacious reliance.
“Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.” This means that they had complete faith in God for their predicament. Tenacious faith is lacking in many of us. We must hold tightly to God in the exercise of faith. Faith must be unmovable. Faith must be in the unbelievable. Faith must be unquestionable. Tenacious faith throws out the fears, doubts, and what-if’s and simply says, “I believe God.” Take away the question marks in our faith and instead place exclamation points that testify that you are trusting in God and in God alone.
We see a total repeal.
"God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand." Two phrases stand out: "God smote," and "God delivered!" God gave the victory to Abijah and Judah. God fought the battle for them. "The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the LORD." When God fights our battles, the enemy is completely overwhelmed and defeated. Look at what happened with Moses and Egypt at the Red Sea. Look at David against Goliath and the Philistines. Look at Jehoshaphat and the Assyrians. Look at Jesus and our sin debt. God brings about a total repeal.
Last, we see a tactful reinforcement.
“Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed.” The victory that day was to be a marker forever etched into the memories and hearts of the men of Judah. Past victories are to be looked back upon as precedents for God to do it again. This was to be a tactful or wise reinforcement to remind that we have no victories apart from God’s power and intervention.
Are you between a rock and a hard spot? Consider what the Lord did for Abijah and Judah, and seek the Lord for your help.
Have a victorious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Kings 3-5