GOD'S HELP
30th Aug 2017
2 Chronicles 16:9 “Didn’t the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help.”
These words were spoken to King Asa by Hanini the prophet, who had wholeheartedly followed God in the past. He had removed the pagan altars and shrines and encouraged the nation to seek God and to be obedient to his commands. The result was a period of peace and prosperity when he built up the countries defences. When he was attacked he turned to God for help.
2 Chronicles 14 records his prayer and God’s answer, “O God, you aren’t impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O God; we have come out to meet this huge army because we trust in you and who you are. Don’t let mere mortals stand against you!” And God defeated the enemy!
Having seen God in action on Judah’s behalf you would have thought he would turn again to God when the next crisis arrived - but he didn’t. King Asa negotiated a price to buy help from strong allies, and this action displeased God and led to the prophet’s rebuke. Instead of repenting he became angry and refused to seek God’s help, and later when he had a severe disease of the feet again Asa ignored God’s help which ultimately led to his death.
Sometime ago I too needed to cry out to God when faced with a crisis in the life of a friend of a church member. She perceived this lady was in desperate need of deliverance and the situation was urgent. I wanted to help but was committed to caring for my grandchildren whilst their parents were away. I could see no way of helping and cried out to God for His wisdom. He instructed me to invite this lady to our church prayer meeting where I would pray for her, if she did not want this she would have to wait. She was not a Christian, but in her need she came and was wonderfully set free. It was a sensible, simple solution but was not in my thinking until I asked for God help.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
