Millions of people live in Beijing; I am a friend to one. Years ago, my friend’s husband contracted SARS and was taken, to what I will call a ‘hospital’ on the outskirts of town. The conditions she described sounded horrific to me.
When I called to talk with her, she had been reading the Old Testament and praying. When she came across 2 Chronicles. She learned a huge lesson in this Old Testament book that she shared with me. Her words are engraved on my heart; she realized that with God, “The power is in the praise!”
So as her husband lay abandoned yet surrounded by hundreds of other sick people, she prayed and worshiped and praised God!
God let him live, and today he leads a strong Church in Beijing. Praise God.
I will put the Scripture below for you to mediate on during this odd time of Covid. In the Scriptures God told the king put the musicians in the front line of the battle, they obeyed, and they won. He gave them power as they praised him. Oh, that we would do the same.
…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 Chron. 20:12
‘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 great army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. … You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ 2 Chron 20:15-17
… 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, saying: “Give thanks to the LROD for his love endures forever.” 2 Chron 20:21
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushed against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah and they were defeated. 2 Chron 20:22.
My takeaway: THE POWER IS IN THE PRAISE
Sandy – Written June 30, 2020 – Story of a friend’s experience with SARS
