I have been hearing a lot more sermons from the Old Testament at a church where I go mainly for the fellowship. It's hard to get used to, since the churches I have gone to most of my life don't usually turn to II Chronicles on a weekly basis. Even though we know all Scripture is profitable, I've always been told that so much of it cannot be directly applied to our lives as new covenant believers. However, I sure do appreciate learning more about the actions and character of God....I take much comfort in seeing more of His infinite faithfulness to Himself and His purposes.
I had a rough week last week, and I prayed very specifically (and a bit desperately!) on Friday for God to speak to me through His word that night at church. The sermon was from II Kings 3. The preacher, a minister from North India, spoke through an interpreter, which more greatly simplified the message, but what God showed me of Himself profoundly comforted me. The basic gist of the message: Israel was going into battle against Moab, when they found themselves without water for the armies or the animals, and they could not continue. Elisha spoke from the Lord, telling them that the valley surrounding them would be filled with pools of water for them. Saying this was "a light thing in the sight of the Lord," He would then deliver the Moabites into their hands. The application was that we too may be in a valley of need, while seeking to go into the battle. We are not sure why God is not letting us go forth with what we need, after all, did He not call us to go forth into this battle to fight for His sake? But what God had purposed for the valley was to show that He is the source of even the most basic of needs. And now after demonstrating this to Israel, He would more greatly impress on them that He was the cause of their victory over Moab.
So my personal application was that I too feel that God has called me into the fight, perhaps joining the battle in India. My focus has been moving on, getting to the next thing, but to my frustration, in so many ways God has prevented that.... He has called me to wait, that He may show me what a "light thing" it will be for Him to meet every need that I have, and to line up every detail in place for the next step of my journey. This is a light thing for the Lord, but I must first know that it is from His hand, not anything of my own doing.
He has ordained each recent event of my life, and I have been praying that I would see His hand very clearly. Every detail is according to the good counsel of His will, even to show His glory, might and holiness over my own foolishness. I am so thankful that He cares so much that I do not live my life in ignorance of His greatness. What an awesome God.