For a Breakthrough, Stay Focused on God

In 2 Chronicles 20:3 I read, “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance." (GNT)

In a crisis, it’s natural to start explaining to God what’s going on and asking him for help. He wants me to talk to him and pour out my heart to him. But don’t start my prayer by telling God what I need. First, he wants me to focus on him.

When three enemy nations decided to team up against King Jehoshaphat and Israel, the king knew there was no way he could overcome those odds, and so he prayed. His prayer shows me how to start my prayers by focusing on God.

First, remind myself of God’s greatness.

Jehoshaphat prayed, “O LORD God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty, and no one can oppose you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 GNT).

When praying for something I can’t control, don’t focus on the problem. Focus on God’s greatness. The bigger God gets in my mind, the smaller the problem becomes.

Next, remind myself of God’s unlimited power.

“When your people Israel moved into this land, you drove out the people who were living here and gave the land to the descendants of Abraham, your friend, to be theirs forever” (2 Chronicles 20:7 GNT).

When I realize that God has all the power in the world, I can just trust him. As I pray, think of all the ways God has helped me, others I know, and people in the Bible.

Then, remind God of his promises.

Jehoshaphat reminded God he promised Israel that the land would be theirs forever. God has made promises to me as well. In fact, there are thousands of promises for me in the Bible. When my daughter and grandsons remind me of the promises I’ve made to them, it can be frustrating. But God loves to have his Word quoted back to him.

Finally, ask God for a breakthrough.

Jehoshaphat said of the attacking forces, “Punish them, for we are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 GNT).

I shouldn’t just ask God to bless my life. Focus on him and then tell him the specific thing I need for my breakthrough. Then I’ll see him provide as I pray like Jehoshaphat.

In summary, when frightened and not sure what to do, pray to the Lord for guidance. In a crisis, it’s natural to start explaining to God what’s going on and asking him for help. However, He wants me to talk to him and pour out my heart to him. So don’t start prayers by telling God what I need. First, start my prayers by focusing on him. King Jehoshaphat’s prayer shows me how to start my prayers by focusing on God. I need to remind myself of God’s greatness. When praying for something I can’t control, don’t focus on the problem. Focus on God’s greatness. The bigger God gets in my mind, the smaller the problem becomes. Next, remind myself of God’s unlimited power. When I realize that God has all the power in the world, I can just trust him. As I pray, think of all the ways God has helped me, others I know, and people in the Bible. Then, remind God of his promises. Jehoshaphat reminded God he promised Israel that the land would be theirs forever. God has made promises to me as well. God loves to have his Word quoted back to him. Finally, ask God for a breakthrough. I shouldn’t just ask God to bless my life. Focus on him and then tell him the specific thing I need for my breakthrough. Then I’ll see how he provides.

In this passage, when the nation was faced with disaster, King Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food (fasting) for a designated time. By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating, they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help. Hunger pangs would help to reinforce their feelings of penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God. 

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.