2 Chronicles 14:9-13a
As I write this devotional, remembrances of 9/11 are in the news. For those of us old enough to have experienced this day of infamy, we still feel the weight of unexpected fear and sorrow of that day. On September 10th, 2001, we were a free country unaware that the next day every life in America would change. We lived in a high trust society, one where you walk your loved ones all the way to the gate at the airport. No security checks, no lines. Just show up, flash your ticket, and jump on the plane. As Americans, we were just rolling along, oblivious to dangers that lay ahead. On 9/11, we watched in horror as 4 planes were hijacked and the twin towers and the pentagon were attacked. It was a day of chaos, rumors and fear. War had been declared on us and we didn’t know who, why or what was next.
Israel, being led by the good king Asa, found themselves in a fear-driven situation. A million-man army from Ethiopia (Not the same area as modern-day Ethiopia) came to conquer Israel. Israel had roughly 580,000 soldiers, almost a 2 to 1 advantage for the Ethiopians. Fear would grip the countryside; wondering is this the end? King Asa was a godly man who trusted God with everything he did. King Asa, before the battle even starts, prays to God. Asking for deliverance.
King Asa- trusted God! When his people’s lives were in jeopardy and the situation seemed much bigger than any man can fix, Asa turned to God. He trusted God with confidence, took his men out for battle and put the results in God’s hand. Each of us is going to have times in our lives when the situation is bigger than we can fix. When there seems to be no hope of a positive outcome. These are the times when we must go to Jesus and trust in His leading and providence. In John 10, Jesus says “I am the door, if anyone enters by me, he will be saved and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” (ESV). Jesus is the barrier between me and eternal chaos. Jesus is the door that protects and gives shelter when I need it. Jesus promises that believers may have life abundantly. This abundant life is guaranteed, not necessarily in this life, but when a believer goes to his real home in heaven. This gives confidence to fully trust God because victory in this life is already won, through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
After 9/11, people flocked to churches as fear gripped this nation. Churches were filled. Special mid-week prayer services overflowed. People were seeking God. This was short lived, however. After a couple months church attendance was back to normal and the urgency of people to find and be close to God waned. This is a warning to us. My trust in God needs to be a daily exercise. Every day, I need to lean on God for all my needs and to get me through the day. I trust God because he is faithful and trustworthy. King Asa set a great example that we can follow. Trust God with all your fears, concerns and situations. Trust that He is working in them for your good. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and soul, He will not fail you.
Israel, being led by the good king Asa, found themselves in a fear-driven situation. A million-man army from Ethiopia (Not the same area as modern-day Ethiopia) came to conquer Israel. Israel had roughly 580,000 soldiers, almost a 2 to 1 advantage for the Ethiopians. Fear would grip the countryside; wondering is this the end? King Asa was a godly man who trusted God with everything he did. King Asa, before the battle even starts, prays to God. Asking for deliverance.
King Asa- trusted God! When his people’s lives were in jeopardy and the situation seemed much bigger than any man can fix, Asa turned to God. He trusted God with confidence, took his men out for battle and put the results in God’s hand. Each of us is going to have times in our lives when the situation is bigger than we can fix. When there seems to be no hope of a positive outcome. These are the times when we must go to Jesus and trust in His leading and providence. In John 10, Jesus says “I am the door, if anyone enters by me, he will be saved and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” (ESV). Jesus is the barrier between me and eternal chaos. Jesus is the door that protects and gives shelter when I need it. Jesus promises that believers may have life abundantly. This abundant life is guaranteed, not necessarily in this life, but when a believer goes to his real home in heaven. This gives confidence to fully trust God because victory in this life is already won, through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
After 9/11, people flocked to churches as fear gripped this nation. Churches were filled. Special mid-week prayer services overflowed. People were seeking God. This was short lived, however. After a couple months church attendance was back to normal and the urgency of people to find and be close to God waned. This is a warning to us. My trust in God needs to be a daily exercise. Every day, I need to lean on God for all my needs and to get me through the day. I trust God because he is faithful and trustworthy. King Asa set a great example that we can follow. Trust God with all your fears, concerns and situations. Trust that He is working in them for your good. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and soul, He will not fail you.
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