2 Chronicles 14:11
‘Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; help us, LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.”’
I admire Asa’s association with God. He prays like many would, but he adds something at the end. He doesn’t say, “do not let man prevail against me”, but “You”. He has such a good relationship with God that It’s his reality. He’s not being a salesman and trying to manipulate God, but he believes it.
I don’t think this would have occurred to me. I am far further than I used to be. In my early days as a christian I had great misunderstandings. The church I was raised in made it clear that we were poor in spirit. I don’t mean that in a good way. The poor in spirit know that as God has revealed Himself to them. One isn’t that because they are told they are nothing. The former is healthy the latter is not. Asa had a good concept of God.
God’s revelation to us isn’t meant to be a point in time, but continuous and growing. I would say I feel I’m on God’s side. This isn’t arrogance. Just like a loved child knows that he is valued. The credit goes to the parent. So also a christian senses that they are loved and valued by God. As we walk with Him we know we are following Him and that He is with us. This is because God is so loving not because the believer is so astute. Jesus gives us an invitation in Revelation 3, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and sup with Him and he with Me”. If we’ve responded to Him we sense His presence. It’s wonderful.
We have enemies. For some reason they don’t like us. I think it’s spiritual. They aren’t aligned with God and they don’t like that we are. I don’t think this is conscious. They plot against us. I have seen God rescue me from their plans multiple times. I can see how I could pray, “Lord, don’t let them prevail against us”.
I can go a little further and see how I could go that next step and pray, “Lord, don’t let them prevail against You”. It’s not arrogance. It’s the progression of a christian. We get closer and closer. God makes it clear we are His. It’s His great love. His shadow protects by day and His fire gives warmth by night. It’s Him.
I’ll get there. Today’s journal points me a little closer. I’ve got 45 tree rings in Christ. A few more will get me there. God will answer my prayer for deliverance however I pray it. One is a bit more mature than the other.
Thank You, Lord for the great places You bring us. Bit by bit, closer and closer. What a privilege to be Your child. Thank You for Your investment in me, us.