Fast and Pray
2 Chronicles 20:3 (NLT) “3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.”
The story of Jehoshaphat is really a simple and powerful story. You should definitely read the entire story from 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.
Three armies (Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites) declared war against King Jehoshaphat. They came from Edom and beyond the Dead Sea. When the King heard the news, he was terrified. What I like about this story is that the King was human. He shared the same fears that everyone else has. If three armies were coming to attack you, how would you feel?
King Jehoshaphat did something we ordinarily would not do: he told the Israelites to fast and seek the Lord’s help. Many people first try to solve their problems on their own or turn to friends and family. When everything else fails, THEN they seek the Lord. Can you imagine how God feels when we place Him last in our decision-making? We might as well tell God, “Lord, I’ve done everything, and I thought I knew what to do. I tried to solve my problem my way and realized nothing worked. I did not have enough faith to seek you first, but now I’m asking you to help me.”
God is looking for sincerity from your heart. When you seek His help, do you truly want Him in your life, or do you only want Him to make the problem go away? Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, but only one returned to thank Him. Although all ten were healed, the other nine only wanted something from Jesus. The one who returned recognized Jesus as more than a miracle-giver. He began to worship and praise Jesus for his miracle. (Luke 17:11-19)
Are you the type who only wants something from God, with no desire to worship or fellowship with Him? Or are you the type who wants God regardless of the circumstances? Whether God heals you or not, whether He fights your battles or not, do you still want Him in your life? If you are not there yet, ask God to change your heart. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and everything you ever desire will be added to you.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright October 3rd, 2026, All Rights Reserved
