WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Dr. Paul Fedena
(Please open your Bible and follow along or you will not understand where this is going and will not get the help you need. - Pastor Paul Fedena)
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
INTRO.:
A. There are principles in our text which will bless and help you when things look hopeless or you feel helpless. God tells us WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
B. Jehohaphat, King of Judah,
🔸“walked in the first ways of his father David” (17:3),
🔸“walked in God’s commandments” (v.4) & God blessed him. (v.5)
But he made a serious mistake.
🔹He “joined affinity with (wicked King) Ahab” of the Northern Kingdom. (18:1) God’s wrath was the response. (19:2) “Shouldest thou help the ungodly & love them that hate the Lord?
🔹His son (Jehoram) married a heathen girl (Ahab’s daughter!) & ruined his life and ruined the nation. (21:6)
ILLUS.: Most of our problems as Christians come from unholy alliances. If we run with the ungodly (neighbors, TV crowd, Hollywood crowd, wrong music crowd, ungodly work crowd, or even unsaved family members) destruction will result. We should be kind, helpful & friendly to all – but NOT join up with, yoke up with, or have fellowship with, the ungodly, or even heretical, sinful or rebellious Christians!
C. Because of Jehoshaphat’s ungodly alliance, Judah’s enemies surrounded them & they were in a state of siege. (20:1) Jehoshaphat goes to the Temple to pray (20:3-6) and in v.12 confesses “neither know we what to do!”
ILLUS.: The Christians in Nazi Germany while being considered as potential martyrs for their faith (at the hands of a maniacal R/C dictator named Adolph Hitler) adopted this verse (12) as their motto, admitting their finite understanding and frailty.
In our text we will find principles which Jehoshaphat used in his dilemma and which can help us to know WHAT TO DO WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
I. LOOK TO THE LORD! (Fix Your Eyes On Him) v. 12b
2 Chronicles 15:3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
A. Look Up – Not Around:
1. If you look around at your circumstances, (bank acct., job, health, family problems, you will get discouraged.
2. If you look within at your weakness in the flesh you will be depressed.
3. If you look up to an omnipotent God you will be strengthened and encouraged.
B. Fix Your Eyes on The Lord – Not on Others:
1. If you look at your enemies you will be distressed. “a great multitude” v.2
2. If you look at your friends you will possibly be disappointed or defeated.
ILLUS.: Jehoshaphat had seen previous military victories, but he was not looking to his armies for the answer! Don’t look back to past victories or even to your Christian friends. When you don’t know what to do, they probably won’t either. v.13 WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO…
II. …TRUST IN THE LORD! (The Battle is His): vv. 14,15
2Chron. 20:14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
A. He is a “Man of war” Ex. 15:3 “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is His name.”
ILLUS.: Too often we try to fight our own battles. God wants us to be both weak & strong at the same time. But our strengths must be His as well as our weaknesses. (gentleness)
Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
B. We Are to Realize His Power:
1. We are not to fear, but relax.
2. We are not to fret, but rest in Him.
ILLUS.: What I cannot do, He can do! I can preach, but only He can change lives. I can pray, but only He can answer those prayers. I can work, but only He can give results. I can be compassionate, but only He can bring blessings.
III. WAIT ON THE LORD! (Rest in Him)
2 Chron. 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
A. Don’t Move – Be Passive:
1. When you don’t know what to do – do nothing!
2. Whatever you do will probably be wrong anyway.
3. Simply step back and watch God work for you.
B. Heed His Instructions:
1. 5 statements telling Jehoshaphat to do nothing:
2. One statement with a promise of victory: “tomorrow…(I) will be with you!”
ILLUS.: One of the first things we must do is to search the Scriptures for guidance and then simply do whatever we find there.
IV. BELIEVE THE LORD! (Claim His Promises):
2 Chron. 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
A. Victory Comes by Believing His Word.
B. Victory Comes by Believing His Prophets:
1. Avail yourself of the preaching/teaching ministry of His church.
2. Take advantage of the man of God in your midst – he is God’s gift to this church.
ILLUS.: If we really believe the pastor/teacher is the Lord’s gift to His church, then we should follow his leadership and teaching.
Why would a couple where the wife has completely debilitating Multiple Sclerosis and lives in a wheelchair get up before sunrise to attend church services? (would you?!) He has to completely shower her, dress her, do her hair, etc. They come for the help and strength and encouragement they get from God’s Word, God’s man and God’s people. Woe to those who say “I don’t need the church.”
V. PRAISE THE LORD! (Rejoice in the Victory) vv. 21,22
2 Chron. 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
A. When discouraged – SING! (“Faith is the victory…”)
B. When distressed – SING! (“My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness, All I have to do is follow…”)
ILLUS.:
👉When Jesus & His disciples went out to Gethsemane where He would be betrayed, He led a song service!
👉When Christians under Roman persecution were led to the arena, they sang! (“I’m so happy…!” “Victory in Jesus” “It’s Amazing What Praising Will Do!” ) SING!
👉Note that they sang and praised the Lord BEFORE the victory!
CONCL.: The end of this story is best. When they didn’t know what to do & their King failed them, they just...
THEN (vv.24-26) they received the victory, God’s blessings and great rewards in the VALLEY of Berachah (blessing)! AMEN!!
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
INTRO.:
A. There are principles in our text which will bless and help you when things look hopeless or you feel helpless. God tells us WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
B. Jehohaphat, King of Judah,
🔸“walked in the first ways of his father David” (17:3),
🔸“walked in God’s commandments” (v.4) & God blessed him. (v.5)
But he made a serious mistake.
🔹He “joined affinity with (wicked King) Ahab” of the Northern Kingdom. (18:1) God’s wrath was the response. (19:2) “Shouldest thou help the ungodly & love them that hate the Lord?
🔹His son (Jehoram) married a heathen girl (Ahab’s daughter!) & ruined his life and ruined the nation. (21:6)
ILLUS.: Most of our problems as Christians come from unholy alliances. If we run with the ungodly (neighbors, TV crowd, Hollywood crowd, wrong music crowd, ungodly work crowd, or even unsaved family members) destruction will result. We should be kind, helpful & friendly to all – but NOT join up with, yoke up with, or have fellowship with, the ungodly, or even heretical, sinful or rebellious Christians!
C. Because of Jehoshaphat’s ungodly alliance, Judah’s enemies surrounded them & they were in a state of siege. (20:1) Jehoshaphat goes to the Temple to pray (20:3-6) and in v.12 confesses “neither know we what to do!”
ILLUS.: The Christians in Nazi Germany while being considered as potential martyrs for their faith (at the hands of a maniacal R/C dictator named Adolph Hitler) adopted this verse (12) as their motto, admitting their finite understanding and frailty.
In our text we will find principles which Jehoshaphat used in his dilemma and which can help us to know WHAT TO DO WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
I. LOOK TO THE LORD! (Fix Your Eyes On Him) v. 12b
2 Chronicles 15:3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
A. Look Up – Not Around:
1. If you look around at your circumstances, (bank acct., job, health, family problems, you will get discouraged.
2. If you look within at your weakness in the flesh you will be depressed.
3. If you look up to an omnipotent God you will be strengthened and encouraged.
B. Fix Your Eyes on The Lord – Not on Others:
1. If you look at your enemies you will be distressed. “a great multitude” v.2
2. If you look at your friends you will possibly be disappointed or defeated.
ILLUS.: Jehoshaphat had seen previous military victories, but he was not looking to his armies for the answer! Don’t look back to past victories or even to your Christian friends. When you don’t know what to do, they probably won’t either. v.13 WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO…
II. …TRUST IN THE LORD! (The Battle is His): vv. 14,15
2Chron. 20:14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
A. He is a “Man of war” Ex. 15:3 “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is His name.”
ILLUS.: Too often we try to fight our own battles. God wants us to be both weak & strong at the same time. But our strengths must be His as well as our weaknesses. (gentleness)
Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
B. We Are to Realize His Power:
1. We are not to fear, but relax.
2. We are not to fret, but rest in Him.
ILLUS.: What I cannot do, He can do! I can preach, but only He can change lives. I can pray, but only He can answer those prayers. I can work, but only He can give results. I can be compassionate, but only He can bring blessings.
III. WAIT ON THE LORD! (Rest in Him)
2 Chron. 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
A. Don’t Move – Be Passive:
1. When you don’t know what to do – do nothing!
2. Whatever you do will probably be wrong anyway.
3. Simply step back and watch God work for you.
B. Heed His Instructions:
1. 5 statements telling Jehoshaphat to do nothing:
- 1. set yourselves,
- 2. stand ye still…
- 3. see the salvation of the Lord…
- 4. fear not,
- 5. nor be dismayed”
2. One statement with a promise of victory: “tomorrow…(I) will be with you!”
ILLUS.: One of the first things we must do is to search the Scriptures for guidance and then simply do whatever we find there.
IV. BELIEVE THE LORD! (Claim His Promises):
2 Chron. 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
A. Victory Comes by Believing His Word.
B. Victory Comes by Believing His Prophets:
1. Avail yourself of the preaching/teaching ministry of His church.
2. Take advantage of the man of God in your midst – he is God’s gift to this church.
ILLUS.: If we really believe the pastor/teacher is the Lord’s gift to His church, then we should follow his leadership and teaching.
Why would a couple where the wife has completely debilitating Multiple Sclerosis and lives in a wheelchair get up before sunrise to attend church services? (would you?!) He has to completely shower her, dress her, do her hair, etc. They come for the help and strength and encouragement they get from God’s Word, God’s man and God’s people. Woe to those who say “I don’t need the church.”
V. PRAISE THE LORD! (Rejoice in the Victory) vv. 21,22
2 Chron. 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
A. When discouraged – SING! (“Faith is the victory…”)
B. When distressed – SING! (“My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness, All I have to do is follow…”)
ILLUS.:
👉When Jesus & His disciples went out to Gethsemane where He would be betrayed, He led a song service!
👉When Christians under Roman persecution were led to the arena, they sang! (“I’m so happy…!” “Victory in Jesus” “It’s Amazing What Praising Will Do!” ) SING!
👉Note that they sang and praised the Lord BEFORE the victory!
CONCL.: The end of this story is best. When they didn’t know what to do & their King failed them, they just...
- LOOKED TO THE LORD,
- TRUSTED THE LORD,
- WAITED ON THE LORD,
- BELIEVED THE LORD &
- PRAISED THE LORD. (So should you.)
THEN (vv.24-26) they received the victory, God’s blessings and great rewards in the VALLEY of Berachah (blessing)! AMEN!!