I Can't!

"I can't do this." "I don't know how we will get through this." "I don't see a solution." Have we felt this way when facing some of life's varied situations? Are these statements of a pessimist or words of a realist? We do have our limitations. There are situations beyond our understanding or ability to resolve. What do we do under those circumstances? Where do we turn? Where do we place our focus?

As Israel was heading out from under Egyptian slavery, they found themselves with the sea in front of them and Pharaoh's army approaching from behind. The proverbial "rock and a hard place" they were between was that of an impasse and a real threat. What were they to do? It appeared an impossible situation from which to escape and so they cried out that it would have better for them to have remained in Egypt than to die in the wilderness. However, Moses turned the focus of the people away from themselves, and from Pharaoh, and focused it toward God by exhorting. . .

"(13) And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, STAND FIRM, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, which HE WILL WORK for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. (14) THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, AND YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT." ( Exodus 14:13-14 ESV)

The nation then was delivered by walking on dry ground through the sea and then the sea was brought back on the Egyptians when they continued their pursuit. This was a situation beyond the scope of their ability, but not beyond God's. It was a situation where they were to merely WAIT ON THE LORD and TRUST HIM TO PROVIDE. That enemy would not even be their enemy again.

During the days of Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), he was faced with the combined forces of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites. ( 2 Chronicles 20:1) Where was Jehoshaphat to turn for help against such a "great multitude" ( 2 Chronicles 20:2) coming against him? What Jehoshaphat did is what we should do when we realize life's situations are bigger than us; PRAY! ( 2 Chronicles 20:6-12) Note his closing to that prayer.

We read. . .
"(12) O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For WE ARE POWERLESS against this great horde that is coming against us. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU." ( 2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV)

King Jehoshaphat acknowledged the reality -- their own powerlessness and lack of wisdom regarding what to do -- but LOOKED TO GOD for however He would work things out. The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel who urged the king and the inhabitants of Judah not to be dismayed because the battle was not theirs, but the Lord's. ( 2 Chronicles 20:16) Jahaziel then encouraged in a similar manner in which Moses had where we read. . .

"(17) You will not need to fight in this battle. STAND FIRM, hold your position, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD WILL BE WITH YOU." ( 2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV)

"STAND FIRM!" "SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!" Some life situations require us to wait to see what the Lord will do! Though it may not be as immediate as the above situations, God is still to be trusted.

This reminds me of a very encouraging hymn I was introduced to this past year titled "God Will Make A Way", written by Don Moen (© 1990). The words are. . .

"God will make a way Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me;
He will be my guide, Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way, He will make a way.

When we recognize we are in a situation beyond ourselves, let us WAIT ON THE LORD and TRUST HIM to provide a way.

Have a great day ENCOURAGED THAT HE CAN!
Carl

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