GOD’S IRRESISTIBLE PURSUIT

 

II Chronicles 20:6 contains the words, “and no one can withstand You.”  Anyone who knows me at all knows that this chapter is on my Top Ten List of Favorite Bible Passages. However, as it is with the Bible, though I had read it repeatedly, the truth of these words had passed me by.

 

These powerful words touched me at a time when there was a good deal of hopelessness and helplessness in wishing for various people in my life to be drawn close to God, and there was nothing I could do about it. They were yonder and I was here. They were estranged and I was not the person to attempt to change that. They were tired of hearing exhortation, and I was tired of giving it.

 

Then God taught me a great lesson. My participation in the drawing of people into a warm and wonderful relationship with my great God was prayer…not just prayer, but “wrestling in prayer.”  Not just “wrestling in prayer,” but emulating Daniel as he fasted and prayed for twenty-one days.

 

How important is it to you that your son turn from his rebellious ways? Is your daughter far from God and bitter against you? How much does it matter to you to see her living for the Lord, “seated and in her right mind?” What about a husband or wife who is cold and disinterested and perhaps even “wandering.”

 

Often we resort to one of two responses. One, we retreat into worry and despair, day in and day out. Two, we become indifferent and in a nearly incredible way, live apart from even thinking about it. Both are so wrong. God expects us to be His co-laborer, to be bringing about amazing outcomes because of our fervent and effectual prayer as a true believer.

 

Get into a battle mode. This someone who is fighting against God, and against what is best for them, will not be able to withstand the pursuit of the great God. You can let it go, but that would be sin. Samuel told the Israelites, “God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you.” I took this phrase and made it mine, so to speak. I had friends and family who were in need, who were in active or passive rebellion, and I began to pray for them that God would go after them. “Go get them, Lord,” I would pray. “They will not be able to withstand your power and your love and draw.”

 

There was a new holding on to the accounts in the Old Testament and the promises from front cover to back. I realized more than ever that these people for whom I was burdened were missing out on this lofty blessing called “the abundant life,” that God so wants for each of us. So, that is how I began to pray for them. “Chase him or her, Lord!” Am I praying “according to His will?”  How do I know that this is what God wants for them? Is there a chance that perhaps this was meant to be? I read that “this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” That’s clear enough for me!

 

Be the Hound of Heaven, Lord! Go after him, Lord. Show him Your love and faithfulness. Heal him, Raise him up better than before, knowing You, loving You, serving You. Don’t let him get away. 

 

“This is what the Lord says to you. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

”You will not have to fight in this battle.” 

 

I don’t know what to do or say. It is an incredible load off my heart to know that You are in control and are wise and strong and loving and will do this without me, yet it is a great burden to stay consistent in believing that You will bring about a great victory. I don’t ask for bare minimum. I am asking for above and beyond. Exceeding abundantly!

 

             “Go out and face them tomorrow.”

 

Yes, do not be intimidated in the circumstances. How exactly do you do that? Praise God…for His mercy endureth forever.

 

              “As they began to sing and praise….”

 

There will be a Valley of Beracah. My prayer goal is all of this…A day when we all, yes, all, stand together once again and sing…or try to make it through…Great Is Thy Faithfulness...you know, our family song.

 

Psalm 22:4,5 – “In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted in You and You delivered them. They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed.”

 

Like Jehoshophat, I choose to put my trust in God for deliverance in this struggle. I choose to believe for full victory, reconciliation, restoration, repentance, forgiveness …and I will not be disappointed.”

 

Don’t ever forget this…the stories of “our fathers” were written "to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

 

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