Disaster strikes without warning. Most of us, at some point in life are faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem. Trouble appears as a storm cloud that is so great and dark that it threatens to overwhelm us - life-threatening disease, loss of employment, a spouse that wants out of a marriage.... In the shadow of it, we are unable to see a way out. It threatens to rob us of everything we hold dear. No amount of maneuvering, debating or bartering will make this problem go away.

I have taken this meditation from the story in 2 Chronicles 14. Asa, king of Judah had his honorable times and his not so honorable times, but this one time, he gave us a model for prayer. - 2 Chron. 14:11
As king of Judah, Asa probably felt very secure with his army of over 500 thousand - that is, until the Egyptian army - described as thousands upon thousands - appeared on the horizon. The vast army must have spread as far as the eye could see and struck fear into even the most seasoned warrior. Even with all his resources, Asa could see that this was an insurmountable challenge.

Asa went out to face the enemy with one short prayer. God performed the miracle, striking down the enemy army ahead of him.

At times like this, life calls for one prayer, one step of faith. "God, I rely on you and no one else. I am going into battle with only you as my strength. This battle is in your hands, God. You create, you grow and you destroy according to your wisdom."

With this prayer of faith, we must walk steadily ahead expecting God’s help and deliverance. The hardest part of this step of faith is the fact that we can’t see His answer until the battle is past. We must remember that God is always good and that He always gives His children more grace than is deserved.

For most of us, the challenge will not be met on a literal battlefield. The battles will be fought in the middle of the night, in hospital rooms and in our minds as we go about daily chores. They may last a few days or many years. Whenever disaster appears, giving up control and putting the battle in God’s hands assures the victory.

Verses to remember.

Jeremiah 32:27 I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Isaiah 55:8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.