The God of Asa Continues to Hear

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Chronicles 14 and 2 Corinthians 13.

What can you pray when faced with absolutely overwhelming odds? In the days of Asa, king of Judah…

Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. And Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried to the LORD his God, “O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” (2 Chron 14:9-11)

Whatever the obstacle, anxiety, or opportunity, God’s people ought always to pray. Asa’s ancient plea, preserved for our learning, can provide fuel for the heart running on fumes.

“O LORD…” – as we pray, we are addressing I AM–the One who has always been, presently is everywhere, and forever will be. He hears. He knows.

“There is none like you…” – He is the greatest, most powerful reality in the universe.

“Help us…” – the cry of our hearts doesn’t have to be complicated.

“For we rely on you…” – when we are weak enough to acknowledge our desperate dependence on him, then we are strong.

“In your name…” – come what may, we exist to honor our Creator.

“You are our God…” – how extraordinary that we are his, and he is willing to be ours.

So the LORD defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. (2 Chron 14:12)

Whatever the obstacle, anxiety, or opportunity, pray without ceasing. The God of Asa continues to hear. He wants to hear from you.