“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Powerless? Maybe you feel that way right now! The forces against you are too much, and you don’t know what to do. The King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20 can relate to those feelings. In fact, he prayed, “O our God … We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT) He was facing not one but an alliance of three armies coming against him. He was desperate. He was overwhelmed and under-resourced. You may be there today. You’re not facing a physical army, but the forces against you threaten to destroy you and forfeit the life God wants for you. It could be loss, depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, worry, or shame over past regrets. Maybe it’s your marriage, or another relationship, that’s been broken by hurt and misunderstanding. Whatever it is, you are feeling alone and you don’t know what to do. You feel helpless against overwhelming odds.
When we are overwhelmed, we think our problems are so big that we can’t make a difference. But God doesn’t ask us to do something big and great to solve them. He just asks us to take one step of faith and trust Him. When we do, we get to see Him do something big and great that will move us from overwhelmed to overcomer! This week, we are going to see how to take that step. If you don’t feel overwhelmed now, hold on, life has a way to overwhelm us with troubles that seem insurmountable. God allows these challenges and problems in our lives to develop our faith and teach us how to grow. So, whether you are feeling that way now or not, God’s Word will offer you practical counsel for what to do and how to walk by faith even when nothing makes sense.
Here's the first step that has helped me when I find myself feeling overwhelmed: stop fretting and remember God is with me. Knowing that God is with you changes everything! Look at what God tells this King in 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT), “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” Now, add to that the promise from the New Testament in Romans 8:31 (NIV), “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God is with you and God is for you! This means that your greatest obstacle is God’s greatest opportunity to show Himself mighty in your life!
We get overwhelmed when we take God out of the picture. The Bible tells us that without God we are without hope! So the first step from overwhelmed to overcomer is to remember that God is with you and for you, and every problem will become an opportunity in disguise! Whatever is overwhelming you right now, give it to God. Thank Him that, even when you feel alone, God is with you; even when you feel rejected, God is for you! It will strengthen your faith, in spite of your fears. It’s the first step to take when you are feeling overwhelmed.
To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.
As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.
Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. Your gift helps bring the hope of Jesus to people in need through biblical teaching, encouragement, and outreach. To join the mission, click here: Help Share the Hope of Jesus.
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