Unapologetic~

One time I was at a bridal shower, and I sat next to the prettiest young newlywed whose husband was working out really hard to make it to the big leagues. He, however, had been plagued by several injuries, so this young lady decided to "help" God by "regularly inviting other energies to help my husband."

At that I moment I stifled the urge to scream, and then realized that God purposely designed the seating chart so I could very calmly explain, "Faith in a God Who needs help is not much faith at all. Why, I find it rather unnerving, personally, that God is somehow insufficient for all I need."

She replied, "He's so busy with everything else on the planet. I am sure He appreciates it."

I countered, "May I please let you know that I really think?"

"Yes," she quietly whispered.

And then in rapid fire succession  I gently let her have it:

(1) Thou shall have no other gods before Me.
(2) My grace is sufficient for thee.
(3) Is there anything too difficult for Me?

Those three truths are the foundation for my life as a Christian, and I live by them.

Asa, the King of Judah felt the same way.  He was an unapologetic follower of our Lord and as king he got rid of all the idols in the kingdom.  He enjoyed peace and prosperity for many years too.  But He was wise, and during the peaceful times he was actively strengthening the army and fortifying the cities of his kingdom. (That's a great lesson in and of itself). At one point he had nearly 600,000 "brave fighting men."

Eventually, a powerful enemy came against Asa because such is life, right? Everything is plodding along and then something or someone shows up and threatens your peaceful existence. But look at what 2 Chronicles 14:11 says, "Asa cried out to the LORD his God, 'O LORD, no one but You can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You alone.'"

Three cheers for Asa! Yeah yeah yeah!

He cried out to his God, realized the only One Who could help him was God, and declared that his trust was in God alone.  Later on in verse 12 we read that God struck down and crushed the enemy that came against Asa.

Yes, Asa had a vast army, and there's nothing wrong with being prepared, but he realized that He needed divine guidance and help. Could it be that when we give credit and glory and honor to the One who deserves it, when we trust in Him alone, when we cry out to Him, when we acknowledge Him as our one and only Lord, that He strikes down our enemies?

I never did find out what difference my little interaction with the newlywed had, if any, but I pray that all of us can unapologetically say that God is our only God!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Just like Asa, today we say to You that that no one else can help us. It's You or nothing. Help us, Lord, for we trust in You alone. Crush our enemies, In Jesus' name, AMEN~