Walking with Jesus, we face seeming impossible trials, temptations, opposition, and our own spiritual lethargy. How do we overcome?
The short answer is “the power of God,” but that spooks many of us. What does it even mean? Will I feel chills, exhilaration, and joy? Will I be able to face another day of societal anarchy and my own fears?
A great example of how God empowers His people is in the life of King Asa as recorded in 2 Chronicles 15. In a crisis, a prophet reminds Asa that in times past, regardless of how dark things were, when Israel turned to the Lord, He brought victory out of the chaos.
“In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the land were in great turmoil. . . But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:5, 7
The bottom line is that when someone, anyone, steps up and believes God, He acts. We see how this works out for Asa in the next few verses of this chapter. Asa “took courage,” did the right things, and order is restored. There was power in the promise believed.
Sadly, in a subsequent crisis, Asa robs the temple treasury and hires a foreign army. Another prophet reminds him of Lord’s previous rescue from even more dangerous foes, and then presents this key principle: “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
Ponder that. God not only pledges all of His resources to those who believe Him, He searches everywhere for people who trust Him, for the express purpose of giving them power. It’s an open-ended promise.
His search continues today, as He says, “Don’t allow the purveyors of anarchy to dishearten you through deceit, discord, and disorder. I have an inexhaustible source of power to help you see through the deception and make good choices. I’ve been looking for people who fully trust me, just to make them Overcomers. Are you in?”
Believe, and be strong.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, 21