ADMISSION. We're exhausted, overwhelmed, and our lives are spinning out of control, or at least they seem to be. We have FORTY-FIVE days to do all the things we need to do, see all the people we need to see -- to squeeze every bit of everything in, including the remainder of the holidays. It feels like a very crazy and chaotic climb to the top of this huge Swazi mountain. There are a million details I could go into, but only one detail that really bears repeating:
I just sat down on the couch, head in hands, after sending the kiddies outside in the snow. I did my very best to tune everything out and prayed to God... "Show me what You want me to see." I paused, took a huge breath in, and opened up The Message randomly to the pages of 552 and 553. 2 Chronicles, God... I'm ready. :)
And, I found...
13:14-18 "When Judah looked back, they saw that they were attacked front and back. They prayed desperately to God, the priests blew their trumpets, and the soldiers of Judah shouted their battle cry. The army of Israel fell flat on its face -- a humiliating defeat. The army of Judah won hands down because they trusted God, the God of their ancestors."
14:7 "We have this peaceful land because we sought God; he has given us rest from all troubles."
14:10-11 "Asa prayed to God, 'Oh God, you aren't impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O God; we have come out to meet this huge army because we trust in you and who you are.'"
Granted, if you turn the page and read through 2 Chronicles 15-16, it doesn't end well at all, especially for Asa. Among everything else, Asa develops a foot infection and eventually dies. But there's a huge reoccurring theme here... because, because, because. Because they trusted.. because they sought. Because we will continue to trust... because we will continue to seek.
15:16 "Anticipating the best, they had sought God -- and he showed up, ready to be found. God gave them peace within and without -- a most peaceable kingdom."
Insert huge exhale here. 2 Chronicles was everything I needed this afternoon. Peace within and without -- I want that. This is a huge mountain. We have no idea what's up there, but we're going to keep seeking in a huge way. It's the only way we're going to do this.
