But What About...?

It is so easy to skim through some of the Old Testament passages (chapters, and even books!) sometimes, isn’t it?

But I have discovered through several readings, that 2 Chronicles holds some of the most interesting narratives of God’s power, holiness, and justice~~and, yes, even His humor!

Today I was reading through chapter 25, and at one point it was like part of the words faded away, and a few keys words popped out and smacked me in the face---kind of like that antacid commercial when the food attacks!

Here is the scene.

King Amaziah (King of Judah) had mustered and paid thousands of troops to become a part of Judah’s army. He even paid 100,000 soldiers from his rival kingdom, Israel, to join forces (verses 5-6).

A prophet (man of God) warned King Amaziah that God would not be with him as long as he had troops from Israel fighting for him (verses 7-8). 

Now, notice Amaziah’s response in verse 9~~"But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?"

Be honest~~does that sound like you when God leads in a way you are not expecting, or particularly wanting?  How many times have we said, “BUT WHAT ABOUT……?  I mean after all, we have already made OUR plans and have started the process, and now God wants me to…..!  But what about…..?

The man of God answers Amaziah at the end of verse 9 with these glorious words, “The Lord can give you much more than that!”  At first I just paid attention to the first three words-“The Lord can…” That is a lesson in and of itself.  Don’t worry about it, ‘The Lord can…’. But as I was typing the entire sentence, I noticed something even greater, “The Lord can do MUCH MORE….”

When trying to justify your plans with the excuse, “But what about…”, remember the reply from the man of God, “The Lord can do much more”.

Don’t let a change of plans and/or direction concern you~~The Lord can do much more!

I wonder if the Apostle Paul was thinking about this when he wrote the following to the Church of Ephesus.

Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The Lord CAN DO much more…Trust Him and don't worry about it!

Debbie