How do you know if your life is on a good path? Do you take time to evaluate how you’re doing? We can so easily run life on autopilot, not even considering our journey over the course of time. Our daily choices seem like no big deal in the now. But our daily choices over time can become lifelong patterns, which can be either great or not so great.
I’ve been studying the Old Testament kings in the Bible. It’s fascinating how these kings can just be like us! One minute they’re big on trusting God and making faith a priority and then the next minute, they make some really bad choices and crash and burn.
In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, we see a story about a huge army from Cush gathering against Judah. King Asa had been a man of faith and was seeking God regularly during a time of peace. So, when the conflict came before Him, he naturally cried out to God. Check out his prayer:
“Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, LORD, our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this vast army. LORD, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.” 2 Chronicles 14:11
King Asa in his prayer showed his desperate need for God, as well as a confidence that this vast army posed absolutely no threat to God. Asa went to God for physical, emotional, and spiritual help in times of need. He could have easily just seen the vast army before Him and freaked out. But he didn’t. He realized that He fought on behalf of God and that God would see him through.
But just when you think Asa was an amazing king, his loyalty totally changed! (Check out 2 Chronicles 16) King Baasha, from the northern kingdom, led a siege on Judah. Asa, facing this potential enemy, turned to a pagan nation for help instead of asking God for help. Asa compromised! Asa had forgotten that God was the same God who had given him victory over greater enemies in the past.
Don’t miss this! God looks for ways to defend and show His great strength on behalf of those who are committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” “Asa’s fear that God could not be trusted with the defense of Judah was foolish and wrong; God wanted to show His strength on behalf of His trusting people.” (2 Chronicles 16, Enduring Word)
Sadly, Asa wasn’t humbled by God’s correction, but angry! His choices had been challenged. And so, King Asa started out on a good path but failed toward the end of life.
Life’s path will take us through many highs and many lows. Why trust God in those highs AND lows? Because He is always, always faithful! When we goof up, He warns us and calls us back to Himself.
You can’t escape from God. He loves you so much! God strengthens those who wholeheartedly depend on Him. Be real with Him. Tell Him your fears. Call out to Him when you’re in doubt. Trust Him not just today, but every day of your life. You will never regret it.
Check on this great song on the faithfulness of God:https://www.youtube.com/
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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