2 Chronicles 13-16

Yesterday, Israel was just beginning to unravel and divide with King Rehoboam.  We now have two kings, one for Judah and one for the rest of Israel, and the two factions don't always get along.  Today in 2 Chronicles 13-16, the line of David continues to reign in Judah, first through Abijah and then through Asa.  There's a constant struggle throughout the land to stay focused on God. 

There's this theme that keeps recurring in our reading, and I see it again and again in my life.  Messing up and losing focus is natural.  It's easy.  I have to fight for my faith with determination each day.  How about you?  

Here's the thing though.  I think we get confused because we forget that we don't have to do the fighting on our own with our own power and resources (at least I do).  We have a Helper.  The question is never "Will God help us?"  The question is "Will we surrender to God so He can help us?"  Will we quit fighting with all our might and let God fight for us with all of His?  There's a huge difference.  

Here are the words we need to remember to say and mean with all our hearts-

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..."

2 Chronicles 14:11

The army we come against changes, but it's always the fight against sin in our lives.

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 151-2

I know I want to be with Him.  How about you? Are you with Him?

The win for abundant life (both here and now and for eternity) is guaranteed when we will surrender moment by moment to our Savior.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your ever-present saving grace.  Thank You that by Your Son Jesus, I am forgiven for every single one of my imperfections.

I pray for Your courage and strength.  Fill my heart full of Your Holy Spirit and work in me and through me.  I surrender and rely on You, Lord.

There is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty.  I pray for the powerless today.  I pray for __________________.  Be their mighty warrior and clothe them in Your powerful and transforming love.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.