King Asa Knew He Was Powerless Without the Lord

Monday, June 29

2 Chronicles 14:8,10 (NIV)

“Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men. Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.”

Devotion

King Asa had an army of brave fighting men numbering well over half a million. He knew God was with him after his leadership brought widespread repentance from idolatry. Asa smashed the sacred stones, cut down the Asherah poles, and commanded the nation to seek the Lord and obey his laws and commands. (2 Chronicles 14:2-5) Yet, King Asa did not give into temptation to trust in his righteousness or his huge army of brave fighting men.

King Asa prayed before the battle with the Cushites, “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)

If we trust in ourselves or our righteous past actions, we are powerless. If we trust in the strength of man, even a vast army, we are powerless. Since our real battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12), our enemy is powerful and filled with fury because they know their time is short. (Revelation 12:12)

As a practical matter, the trust and humility that pleases God are exercised in asking for his help with whatever challenges you face today. The pride that God opposes is simply thinking the task or challenge before you can be faced without asking for his help.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for the times I have relied on my own strength instead of trusting in You. Today, I choose to depend on You in every situation. Give me humility to seek Your help, faith to trust Your guidance, and courage to stand firm in Your strength. I know that victory comes from You alone. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Before you face today's challenges, pause and ask the Lord for His help. Resist the temptation to rely on your own strength, past victories, or human resources. Instead, choose to trust God completely, knowing that He alone gives victory.

Resources

• No matter what you're facing today, one truth remains: “Without God, this won't work”. Watch this short clip and let your faith be strengthened.

• Life is not meant to be lived alone. No matter what season you're in, you'll find hope, healing, and encouragement in a caring community. Join a Support Group this fall and take your next step toward lasting growth. Register here.