ACCEPT GOD'S SOLUTION

And when he had consulted with the people, appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever." - 2 Chronicles 20:21

Christians almost universally agree, "God answers prayer." But many people, if they were honest, would amend the phrase to say, "The Lord answers most prayers, but not mine."

A believer can fervently call upon God without receiving what he considers a satisfactory answer. The stumbling block isn't God's unwillingness or inability to respond, but rather our unwilling to accept His solution.

If we come to God with a pre-conceived idea of how to solve our problem, we will likely overlook His true solution.

Suppose King Jehoshaphat had decided that God could answer his prayer only by giving the army extra strength for the forthcoming skirmish. He would have called a war council, arrayed his soldiers in armour, and set up battle lines.

God's solution was entirely unexpected: First, send the choirs out singing praises, then watch the Lord save Israel. If Jehoshaphat's soldiers had attempted combat, they would have lost Jerusalem.

Sometimes we don't like God's solution. We desire freedom from physical pain rather than an extra measure of grace to endure the hurt.

Or we want a new job, not a command to seek the boss' forgiveness for our poor attitude.

In essence, we want the Lord to fix everything without requiring any effort from us. But our willingness to obey is key to answered prayer.

When He tells us how to resolve our problem, we must act just as He specifies, or we will never experience victory.

Prayer: Father, all Your ways are perfect. Show me Your ways.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:14-25