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Scripture
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV) 12 O our God, 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."

Observation
Things were looking pretty grim for the people of Judah. A vast army from Edom was gathering outside their borders preparing for an attack. Based on sheer numbers, it seemed that the army of Judah would be easily overrun. The Edomites were not known for being a merciful people. If they invade, Judah would be wiped off of the map. Everyone would be killed or enslaved. Jehoshaphat appealed to the Lord and reminded him of the promise he made to Abraham. Every man, woman, and child stood before God to ask for deliverance.

Then they make a very telling statement: "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." In their own eyes, in their understanding of the situation, they could see no way out. They could only see certain death. They confessed their helplessnes to God, and acknowledge that he was their only hope.

How many times do we face "no way out" kinds of circumstances? Have you ever wondered why Christians have to deal with desparate situations in the first place? One possibility is that for many of us it is easy to develop a false sense of self-sufficiency. We start to believe we can handle things on our own, without God's help. We make bad choices and often land in the "no way out" scenario because of our own doing. Allowing that temporary pain is a way for God to draw us back to him. And it works! Even non-believers turn to God when the situation is desparate! In combat there's a saying: "there are no athiests in foxholes." When you are faced with desparate circumstances the human nature is to turn to a higher power. It's unfortunate that so many times God has to allow these "no way out" moments to occur as the only way to bring us back into dependence on him!

Application
I don't want to be the kind of Christ follower that God has to put into these tough situations time and time again in order for him to get my attention! I want to turn my eyes to him every day, on my own, acknowledging him as my only source of strength, my only way to get through the day. It is required EVERY MOMENT. It is so easy to let my guard down and start feeling self reliant again. I must always be desparately dependent on God!

Prayer
Father I need you every moment of every day. Outside of your power I have no ability to do anything. Help me to keep my eyes on you, dependent on you for all things, relying completely on your strength.