Part 4

It was Sunday night, August 7th.  The Bridge was heading into a great week.  Easter in August was coming up on Saturday and we knew that we were going to attract quite a crowd with that event.  There was a lot of energy and anticipation looking ahead.  However, this Sunday night was one of the most special services that I've been a part of since I've been at The Bridge. Josh Price did a pre-CD release concert after the service (we must have had almost 700 people at that thing!)  But, our worship service itself was electric.  From the music to the message, it was just awesome.

I was finishing up a series called "Looking Back--Remembering the Goodness and Faithfulness of God." That night I preached the story of Jehoshaphat.   If you don't know it, it's found in 2 Chronicles 20.  He was the King of Israel and a godly man.  The nations surrounding Israel assembled themselves together and formed a vast army.  They were coming to attack Israel, and they were right around the corner.  When Jehoshaphat heard the news, he was terrified.  He asked everyone in Israel to begin fasting and praying.  Then he stood up in front of everyone and cries out to God.  He reminds God of who He is (a strong and awesome God).  He reminds God of what He's done (He gave Israel the land it is occupying).  He reminds God of what He's said (we can call on You to save us and You promise to hear us).  He reminds God of what's going on (we are being attacked and we are looking to You to help). 

When Jehoshaphat finished praying, one of the men stood up and began to speak for God declaring that God will give them victory--they won't even need to fight.  The people then shouted of shout of victory to God and then they praised God in song.  (We reenacted this in church that night!)  The Bible then says that when they went out to meet the armies that had assembled against them, they found them all dead.  Jehoshaphat and all his people gathered plunder for two days.  God had given them a great victory and God had given us an amazing night.  But, here's the deal.  On Sunday night I preached that message...on Monday I lived that message.