Israel fought many wars against pagan nations. As a Bible reader, it is easy to assume God will always intervene so His people win every war. After all, the surrounding nations worship idols but Israel worships the One True God, right?
But what if Israel has a civil war? If Judah and Benjamin take on the remaining tribes (collectively known as “Israel”), who will win? How does God decide whom He is going to bless?
“So the Israelites fled before Judah and God handed them over…. Judah succeeded because the people depended on the Lord, the God of their ancestors” 2 Chronicles 13:16-18.
When Israel erupts in a civil war, God is not wringing His hands, wondering what to do. Obviously, God knows what He is going to do. But as humans, we want to be on the right side of conflicts. The answer is to support the side that is faithful to God.
King Asa put all his trust in God:
“Lord, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, Lord Our God, for we depend on You” 2 Chronicles 14:11.
God sent a prophet to encourage King Asa:
“The Lord is with you when you are with Him…. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you” 2 Chronicles 15:2.
Consider this amazing promise:
“For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His” 2 Chronicles 16:9.
Sadly those words were spoken to Asa after he made a covenant with the Arameans. Asa made a truce with one enemy so that enemy would help him defeat a second enemy. The prophet rebukes Asa, explaining God would have helped Judah defeat BOTH enemies—because the eyes of the Lord are always roaming, searching the earth for someone wholly dependent on God that God can help and bless.
Shouldn’t that be you? Shouldn’t that be me? Is your heart “COMPLETELY HIS”? If so, God will SHOW HIMSELF STRONG for you.
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