June 14, 2021: SOAP #4211:  1Kings 15; 2Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4

SCRIPTURE:  2Chronicles (NIV) 14:11 Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no-one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.” 12 The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled.

Philippians (NIV) 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  King Asa with 580,000 foot-soldiers was facing an army of 1,000,000 plus 300 chariots. Asa knew the truth of Philippians 4:6 many years before Paul wrote it!  He did not ask others to pray.  He prayed!  Others could join with him, but they would not be praying in place of him. 

APPLICATION:  People often ask me to pray FOR them; and I often ask them how they are praying.  Then I pray WITH them.  It is good when we pray for one another, but it is not good when I rely on someone else to do my praying. 

I may think that someone else is closer to God so God will be more inclined to hear their prayers.  But the truth is that God lives IN ME so no one can be closer to the omnipresent God than I am.   I am His child!  They may be as close to God as I am, but I am closer to my problem.  They may have more faith, but when I use the faith that I now have, to call on God, and He answers—my faith will grow!  The problem gives me the opportunity to use the faith I have!  This problem gives God the opportunity to be glorified and to see my faith grow!

PRAYER: Lord, to quote King Asa, “LORD, there is no one like you!  I rely on you, and in your name, I face the challenge before me.  LORD, you are my God; do not let the devil, the temptations of my flesh, or any need I face prevail against you!” Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!