Recorded MP3 audio meditations: downloads and audio streams, written reflections and contemplative resources by Dorinda Miller

Written Reflections

Facing the Challenge

The ‘Facing the Challenge’ series is a reflection on 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, under the headings of priority, prayer, prophecy, praise and plunder. How can considering this passage equip us for the challenges that life presents?

Facing the Challenge - Plunder

Plunder – 2 Chronicles 20:24-25

By the time Jehoshaphat and his army arrived at the battle site, there were only dead bodies and so they set about gathering the plunder.  The word plunder is traditionally defined as stealing goods from someone/somewhere and it refers to these goods being taken by violence and dishonesty.  In this instance the Ammonites and Moabites and men from Mount Seir had annilated each other, so Jehoshaphat and his men did not have to fight or take anything by force.  Instead it took them three days to collect the plunder – a great quantity of equipment and clothing and items of value – before returning joyfully to Jerusalem.

What an amazing answer to prayer. Seeking God for guidance and following God’s directions not only provided a great deliverance, but also the gift of a vast quantity of plunder. This was an unexpected gift and an abundant blessing.  “….He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.”(Hebrews 11:6 KJ21)

Reversing the deportation order was an amazing answer to prayer (the story starts at the beginning of this series) and a testimony to God’s divine intervention in the circumstances. At that time, people who were issued with deportation orders always went, if not within a few days, then within a few weeks.  God enabled us to stay, for the full two-year assignment.

Activity:  Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’

Read Psalm 136 which charts God’s goodness to the Israelites.  Then write your own version, using events from your own journey of faith which chart God’s love, goodness and provision for you.  Or you may prefer to do this pictorially through painting or drawing the events in your journey.

Written by Dorinda Miller; © D Miller 2015. For full credits please see the site credits page

Next Reflection:

Prepare