“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 NIV
King Asa lifted this prayer as his army took up battle position against an army of thousands upon thousands. He was up against a powerful enemy and the odds were stacked against him. But because he trusted in the Lord, God gave him victory that day! If you feel like you are in a battle, consider the following points from this Biblical account that can help you get victory in your life:
1. You are powerless but God isn’t!
What are you facing today that seems so mighty you feel powerless against it: fear, loneliness, depression, a broken relationship, financial shortfall, addiction, grief, cancer or other difficult issues? Whatever battle you face, realize that God has the power to help you! The story goes on to tell us that God struck down the enemy before Asa. It actually says that so many of the enemy fell that “they could not recover; they were crushed before the Lord and His forces.” Asa was wise to call out to God and rely on Him for help! When you rely on God it’s not your strength the enemy needs to get past to bring you down, it’s the Lord and His forces!
2. The Lord is with you when you are with Him!
The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-2 NIV
God is not distant and unaware of your pain, nor is He hiding from you. If you seek Him, you will find Him. So what does it mean to seek the Lord? Pray, pray and pray some more. Don’t just whisper a 10 minute prayer and go on with your day, as if that’s enough. If the enemy you are facing is mighty, you need to engage in the battle with all your heart! Get on your knees and seek the Lord until He comes to the rescue! There’s no action you can take to remedy the situation that’s as important as prayer. If God seems distant, it’s not because He doesn’t care about your situation, it’s because you haven’t included Him in your battle plan.
3. No matter how long you’ve been away from God, it’s never to late to turn back to Him!
“For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.” 2 Chronicles 15:3-4 NIV
For a long time, the children of Israel had attempted to maintain a half-hearted relationship with God. They were as “lukewarm” as you can be. But in their distress they turned to God. Aren’t you glad to know that God did not hold that against them? It’s human nature to forget about the Lord when all is well, but to run right to him as soon as it all falls apart. Don’t let the enemy tell you that it’s too late to seek God, it’s never too late! If you seek Him, you will find Him to be everything you desire and everything you need!
4. Never give up!
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
A man’s strength is tested when difficult times arise. Both his character and his relationship with God are proven strong when he is refined by fire, much like pure gold. If you’ve fallen, get back up! If you’ve walked away from God, change directions. Be strong, and do not give up!
5. Have the courage to remove the things that need to go!
When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land. 2 Chronicles 15:8a NIV
Many of our problems are brought about when we tolerate things that we shouldn’t. We need to have some back bone when it comes to removing the things that keep us from being spiritually strong. Take a moment to think about the things you are allowing in your life the enemy is using to defeat you. Have the courage to set them aside.
6. Repair the altar of the Lord!
He repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple. 2 Chronicles 15:8b NIV
It’s not enough to just remove the things that are tripping you up. We need to get back to the spiritual disciplines that keep us strong! Repair what needs to be repaired!
Be encouraged, you are powerless, but God isn’t!