Our Daily Bread 6 September 2018 Devotional
Topic: Muscling Through
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Read: 2 Chronicles 20:2–3, 14–22 Bible in a Year: Psalms 148–150; 1 Corinthians 15:29–58
Scripture: Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:3
Message: Competitive bodybuilders put themselves through a rigorous training cycle. During the initial months, they emphasize gaining size and strength. As the competition nears, the focus shifts to losing any fat that hides the muscle. In the final days before the competition, they consume less water than normal so their muscle tissue is easily visible. Because of the reduced consumption of nourishment, the competitors are actually at their weakest on the day of competition, despite appearing strong.
Our Daily Bread 6 September 2018 Devotional – Muscling Through
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read of the opposite reality: acknowledging weakness in order to experience God’s strength. “A vast army is coming against you,” people told King Jehoshaphat. So “he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (v. 3), depriving himself and all his people of nourishment. Then they asked God for help. When he finally mustered his military, Jehoshaphat placed singers who praised God at the front of his army (v. 21). As they began to sing, the Lord “set ambushes against the men . . . who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (v. 22).
Jehoshaphat’s decision demonstrated deep faith in God. He purposefully chose not to depend on his own human and military prowess but instead to lean on God. Rather than trying to muscle our way through the trials we face, may we turn to Him and allow Him to be our strength.
Our Daily Bread 6 September 2018 Devotional – Muscling Through
Read The Strength of Weakness at discoveryseries.org/hp144.
Thought for the Day: We must recognize our weakness to experience God’s strength.
Our Daily Bread 6 September 2018 Devotional was written by Kirsten Holmberg (Our Daily Bread Ministries)