Our Eyes are on You

Were you in the congregation when Pastor Sunday had us repeat out loud 2 Chronicles 20:12? It’s the prayer of Jehoshaphat when the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir came against Judah. He cried out to God saying, “We are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

David had us repeat these words several times. They became the battle cry of our congregation on that day. It was very stirring. Just recalling it moves me.

As an elder, I was on the platform that day. I don’t remember all that was going through my mind at that time. I know I was thinking of us as a congregation and how fitting it was for us to adopt such a posture before God. I wasn’t thinking of it in an individualistic way at that point in time.

All of that changed when our daughter, Hope, was diagnosed with cancer. It is the cry of my heart now. In fact, it is often on my lips and on my mind. It is so because cancer seems like a great horde, and I don’t know what to do to properly wage war against it.

I have come to appreciate those who are on the front line of the battle against this enemy: doctors, nurses, and technicians. May their tribe increase. I saw them in action when I went to the University of Iowa Cancer Center with Hope. They are very dedicated and unrelenting in pursuing answers. They are also very caring. They patiently answer all the questions we have, and they keep pursuing ways to attack the cancer. These individuals that have been so gifted by God are a real answer to prayer.

My eyes remain fixed on God though because as gifted as these caregivers are, they cannot guarantee anything. God alone will give the victory. As I read this morning in Genesis 15:1 in the KJV where God gives this promise, “Fear not, (Jim): I am your shield, and your exceedingly great reward.” Of course the passage does not have my name in it, but I believe it helps us to see the point when we put our name in verses. Here we see that God defends and protects us. He ultimately rewards us by giving Himself to us. I need that reminder in our daughter’s battle with cancer. It is easy to lose sight of that with all that is going on.

I personally, and my family with me, would like Hope to be delivered right now. However, God has chosen to work differently at this time. The call is for us to trust Him and wait on Him. I find myself often in the place of the father in Mark 9. The disciples could not deliver his son from an unclean spirit. Jesus comes on the scene and asserts in verse 23, “All things are possible for the one who believes.” Verse 24 confronts us with the heartfelt plea of the father, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

That’s where I am. That’s me. I believe that God can do whatever he wants to do. I believe He can heal in a moment. I believe He is the Creator and Sustainer of all of life. I do believe He cares for and provides for His children. I believe He hears and answers prayer. Yet, I am anxious about Hope, and I need help from Jesus right at this very point so I don’t fall. So I cry often to Jesus for help. Like the old song says, “I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus, I cannot bear these burdens alone.”

My prayer for you as you face your personal trials and difficulties has several points. First, remember that we are in this struggle together. No one is exempt. Your pastors and elders do not get a free pass. To paraphrase the Apostle John in Revelation 1:9, we are partners with you in the “tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus.”

Second, let’s covenant together to remember each other in prayer. The Prayer List from the church office will help. Earnestly pray for the members of your CareGroup. Avail yourself of the prayer gatherings of our church.

Third, claim the promises of the Word of God. Read them and hold on to them. There are many of them throughout the Bible.

Fourth, whenever you are tempted to give up in despair, cling to Jesus. Run to Him, and hold on to Him. Seek Him and call out to Him. As you do make 2 Chronicles 20:12 your battle cry, “We are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Your partner in the patient endurance that is in Jesus,

Jim Gordon, Elder