A Marvelous and Wondrous Answer - Kerry Shook

“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)  

One of the great promises of God is His response when we call.  “Call to Me and I will answer you.”  I don’t even get that from my own kids, do you?  Not only does He promise to answer you, but He adds, “I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”  That’s awesome, isn’t it?  Just as friends share confidences, God also loves to confide His Truth in the lives of His children!

Yesterday, we learned about a king whose back was against the wall.  Three nations were already in route to attack him.  He did not know what to do.  In a panic, he prayed! God heard his prayer, and what He told this king was nothing short of “marvelous and wondrous.”  2 Chronicles 20 tells the story!

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (V. 15)

Who fights your battles?   It will remain your battle until you give it to God.  This king had no real defense against his enemies.  In his own strength and military might, he knew his nation had no chance.  But, when he prayed, he gave the problem to God.  When you give the problem to God, you are inviting Him to participate on your behalf.  Then, as with this king, you can say, “The victory is mine, but the battle is the Lord’s.”  Now, for the rest of the story.  It’s not over.  Look at what God told the king and his army.

• March out against your enemies (V.16a)
• Take up your positions for battle (V. 17a)
• Stand firm (V. 17b)
• Watch from your positions how God delivers you (V. 17c)

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” (V. 17d)

Their response required faith.  They would have to believe that God would do what He said He would do.  The king said to them,

“Listen to me … Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” (V. 20)

They were instructed to send the choir out first with a song of praise! It took courage and faith.  The Bible says,“as they began to sing and praise”, the Lord brought the victory.  The enemy became so confused that they began to destroy one another!  God did just what He said He would do.  He always does!

“O God, thank You that You are faithful!  You always do what You say You will do!  Help me to praise You just as this army did in the midst of the problems I face.  Thank You that You are with me!  I give You the struggles I don’t know how to handle.  I know You will answer me and tell me marvelous and wondrous things I could never figure out on my own.”