“‘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…’ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel… a Levite and descendant of Asaph… He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! 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…’ Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army” (2 Chronicles 20:12-21).

King Jehoshaphat was in serious trouble. A vast army from the south was only fifty miles from Jerusalem. He immediately called all Judah and Jerusalem to fast and inquire of the Lord saying, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” What an incredible prayer for your ministry, your advancement department, and your personal life. Learn these four lessons from Jehoshaphat.

We do not know what to do
No doubt you’ve faced moments in your fundraising career when you don’t have a clue what to do next. It’s a familiar scenario. Building costs rise but your fundraising plan falls short. Humble leaders realize they don’t know everything, so they surround themselves with people who know how to find the right answers.

Our eyes are on you
Life and death situations give you clarity. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord” (2 Chron 20:3-4). King Jehoshaphat instinctively turned to the Lord for guidance. What’s your first response when you face a budget crisis?

The battle is not yours, but God’s
The Holy Spirit revealed his plan through Jahaziel, a Levite and descendant of Asaph. He was a worship leader. His message was, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chron. 20:15-17). In an unconventional plan, the choir led the army into battle singing, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21). God blessed Judah and Jerusalem with a great victory!

Listen
Good ideas don’t just come from the top-down, many of the best ideas come from the grassroots. A Christian high school asked the faculty if they knew any potential donors. The science teacher thought his uncle might be interested. The uncle was and eventually gave $250,000. Listen intently for God’s voice for your next good idea. The answer may come from the choir director or science teacher!

Think About This: In 1976, Richard Montañez was a janitor working for $4 dollars an hour at a Frito-Lay plant. One day, a machine on the assembly line broke and made some plain Cheetos. Richard took some home, dusted them with chili powder, and crunched into snack history. His eureka moment became Flamin’ Hot Cheetos which has since made billions of dollars.

Response: Father, help us keep our eyes on you and listen for your plan no matter who shares it.