“And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for you to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”
2 Chronicles 14:11
Zerah of Ethiopia came out against Asa with one million men and three hundred chariots. Asa knew his army was outnumbered almost two to one but his trust was in God, not in the numbers. As Asa cried out to God he actively transferred the battle into God’s hands. It was no longer us against them, but God against them. Through prayer, faith, and declaration of the greater truth, this battle was cast into God’s hands. Asa knew it and God affirmed it giving the victory into the hands Asa and Judah.
Asa was a good righteous king he “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” (14:2). It may seem strange that for all his goodness he encountered such a huge attack upon the peace of Judah. Understand this, that no matter how righteously you walk before God the enemy of your soul will always challenge you, and in His sovereignty, God allows it. He allows it not so that you may be destroyed, but so that your trust in Him may grow even deeper and bring glory to His name in the victory that He gives. Every man of God will be challenged in one way or another. Expect it to come but be prepared in your spirit to fully trust in God at all times.
No amount of strength or self confidence can replace absolute trust in the Lord in time of trial. Do not rely on your experience, your numbers, your ability, your money, or others around you, but only in God. Confidence in the Lord comes from a clear conscience and the conviction of His ability to help no matter how bleak things appear. Keep your eyes fixed upon Him, keep your spirit free from fear and discouragement, and then rise and declare your absolute trust upon the One who alone can save you.
As leaders we must learn the art of resting in God. To rest means to not strive. There is no fear in rest, no running, no hiding, but moving with absolute confidence that God is for you and that He will deal with what trouble comes your way. It means that you advance toward your “Goliath” in His great name, conquering anything or anyone who advances against you. Write down whatever challenges you are facing now as a leader. Then declare before God that you put your trust completely in Him for these challenges you face.
