In the wake of the tragic loss of life during the horrific floods in Central Texas this week, one of the repeated descriptions I’ve heard spoken about the force of water was “powerful.” The unexpected rain falling on the hills and flowing into the canyons created an unforeseen flood that was powerful – destroying trees, cabins, homes, cars, and lives with its overwhelming force.
There are moments in life when fear rushes in like a flood. The grief is overwhelming. The diagnosis is grim. The deadline is impossible. The pressure is too much. There are times we feel surrounded by people and outnumbered by problems we didn’t anticipate, didn’t ask for, and don’t know how to fight.
We feel powerless.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we find Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:3), feeling the same way, powerless. When he heard that a massive army was coming against him (vs. 1), he was afraid.
But instead of trying to muster human strength or strategy, Jehoshaphat did something unexpected—he turned his face to seek the Lord and led the people to do the same.
“Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord” (vs. 3).
He didn’t let fear control him—he turned to the Lord and called the nation to seek God together. He trusted the God of Heaven who rules over Heaven and Earth:
“Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You” (vs. 6).
And then, he prayed a prayer that we can all relate to and that I find myself praying often:
“Our God, 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” (v. 12).
That’s not a confession of weakness—it’s a declaration of trust. Being faithful doesn’t mean being fearless. When we fix our eyes on the Lord instead of the battle, we look for His power to be displayed.
In response, God spoke through the prophet, Jahaziel, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (v. 15)
What a powerful promise. God didn’t just offer comfort—He offered to take over the fight. All they had to do was stand firm, believe, and worship.
“See the salvation of the Lord. He is with you… Do not be afraid or discouraged… for the Lord is with you” (v. 17).
The next morning, the army marched out—not with weapons drawn but with voices lifted. They led with praise: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever!” (v. 21). And as they worshiped, God set ambushes and won the battle for them (vv. 22-23).
Jehoshaphat didn’t have a military plan. But he had a position of dependence. That’s where courage begins—not in knowing how things will turn out, but in knowing Who is with you in the midst of it.
The presence of the Lord is not just a comfort—it’s our confidence. The power of the Lord is not just a future hope—it’s a present help. He doesn’t tell us to fight harder. He invites us to trust deeper.
Over the years, I’ve become far less self-confident for things that are out of my control and much more God dependent for all that is under His sovereign care. Countless times I’ve prayed, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but I look to you. I don’t even know what to pray for or how to pray, but I trust in You.”
As we hope for what we powerless to do and wait on the Lord with patience, we can rest in His promise that:
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us,with inexpressible groanings. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27).
What battle are you facing today? What fears are overwhelming? What floods are overpowering? Are you unsure how to fix what’s broken, repair what’s been lost, or fight what’s coming against you?
Maybe you’re at a place where the only thing you can honestly pray is, “Lord, I don’t know what to do…”
That’s okay—because the Lord does. Fix your eyes on Him. Trust Him. Wait on Him. Let His Word steady your heart. And remember: The battle is not yours, but God’s. He is present. He is more powerful than your problems.
Follow me… as I follow Jesus Christ.
following Jesus 