“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”—2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV
Do you sometimes put your prayer requests into categories? Maybe big and small requests. Or think this situation I can handle, no need to bother God with it. Or sometimes do you turn to God as a last resort, after the problem has gotten out of hand?
The story of King Asa is one to learn from. Early in his reign, the Ethiopians came up against him with a great army – 1 million men and 300 chariots. While Asa only had just over 500,000 men in his army and nothing is said of chariots. But Asa cried to the Lord and the Bible says:
“So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” 2 Chronicles 14:12 (ESV)
Later on in his reign, Asa faced another battle. This time with Basha, king of Israel and instead of turning to God as he did before, he turned to Benhadad king of Syria. Asa gave him treasures from the house of the Lord and set him up against the king of Israel. His tactic worked because it got Basha off Asa’s back but his actions displeased God.
“At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, ‘Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand.’” 2 Chronicles 16:7 -8 (ESV)
Likewise, God wants us to trust Him with every situation we go through – at home, work, school, neighbourhood and even in the church. He is more than qualified to handle our finances, health, family, and marriage issues. Our God is an Expert in Everything and in Every Situation! Nothing is too difficult for Him! He is our all in all! You might have the experience, network support and money but it can’t be compared to God’s divine intervention.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)
Sadly, Asa didn’t understand or want to acknowledge God in his endeavours because the Bible says: “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)
I believe there is an emphasis here because if Asa had sought the Lord, he might have been healed, but we will never know. And that begs the question, as a believer, where do you put your trust?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 