Question #3: Will you not...?

Walked into Shoppers Drug Mart today and a crew of three individuals were setting up the most amazing Valentine's display I have ever seen.  They had so many shelves at their disposal.  One of the workers there commented that they didn't bring enough product to fill all the available space...too much.

However, that for another conversation as we look at Jehoshaphat's final question posed within his prayer, to be heard by all the people was...

 

“Will you not judge them? 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 upon you”  (2 Chronicles 20:12)

What did God give them as an answer?

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s”  (2 Chronicles 20:15)

 You have no idea just how many people out there doing their thing for God, think that it is their thing.  You can tell through one aspect of their ministry whether they believe the battle is God's - in their fund raising methods.  

Let's look at bribery.  If someone offers you something in exchange for your donation - that is a bribe.  Why do ministries need to bribe - because what they are doing is their battle.  

Let's look at manipulation - story of a fake person named Rosa who will die if you do not give or quoting scripture that has nothing to do with humanitarian efforts and suggesting that this is what God wants us to do.  Why do you have to manipulate - because the individual may not want to give and because it has become your battle. 

Let's look at coercion - this can come in the form of guilt, recognition. loss of friendship, no longer receiving preferential treatment - or a response grid that gives you four choices knowing that you probably are to embarrassed to chose the first box and will most likely take the second, unless you want to impress with the third or fourth - why? The battle is your own and not the Lord's.

Trust me, check out the ministries you support and see if any of these things are happening - I guarantee that only 1 out of every 10 charities believes in growing the donor's relationship with God and trust God enough to leave your financial contribution to how the Lord is guiding you.

A small note for you to always remember - this verse (15) is the middle verse in the Old Testament - very cool, very important, very awesome!