Life Action

Earlier this year, the pilot of a private twin-engine plane died shortly after takeoff. That's when passenger Doug White took over and managed to successfully land the plane, saving the passengers on board. When asked if he had been afraid, Doug replied, "Yes, but my fear was focused."

For the Christian, fear is a reminder to put our faith in God. What happens to us is often out of our control, but what we focus on when we are afraid is always our choice.

King Jehoshaphat faced a terrifying scenario that embroiled him in a battle with fear. A fierce multitude of enemy soldiers invaded his homeland and were approaching the capital city. The eyes of his countrymen turned in his direction. What would he do in response to fear?

Although Jehoshaphat had an army and a fortress at his disposal, he did something extraordinary. Instead of hiding his fear and resorting to false bravado, he humbly turned his focus to seek the Lord.

Although threatened by foes far greater than his resources to combat them, Jehoshaphat believed there was still hope—in God. Fear became a stimulus for prayer. The account of Jehoshaphat's response to fear provides an excellent model for us during these perilous times:

Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast through all of Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD. . . . And Jehoshaphat . . . said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might. . . . We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." . . . And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the [enemy], so that they were routed (2 Chron. 20:3-22 ESV).

Don't miss this profound truth: Frightening circumstances provide a wonderful opportunity to see the Lord display His glory! And they allow God's people to shine their light ever brighter when darkness is closing in.

The fear we feel in these difficult days provides incredible opportunity to focus on what really matters. God is reminding us of our need for His mercy and leadership. We may someday realize that this was the moment God called us to revival—that these circumstances were used by Him to ignite prayer, holiness, and repentance across our land.

What is the story we will tell our grandchildren? That like Jehoshaphat, when we felt surrounded and outnumbered, we turned from fear to faith, confidently believing God to do the impossible? Or that we ignored the opportunity crisis provides as a springboard to revival?

I believe the worst thing that could happen to America right now is deliverance without a genuine return to the Lord. It would only increase our self-sufficiency and fuel our pride, which are hindrances to true worship.

My prayer is that this issue of Revive magazine will turn the temptation to fear into a stimulus to pursue God, through prayer and fasting, for revival.

• Byron's Blog

Byron Paulus is the Executive Director of Life Action Ministries. His passion for revival in our nation is evident whether you're reading ministry updates, thoughts on current events, or helpful content on personal revival. We invite you to interact by posting your thoughts and comments.

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