Do You Need Strength?

O. T. #959  "Do You Need Strength?
April 11, 2017
2 Chronicles 16
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a

LET IT GLOW

Do we need strength today? I sure do. Wow, did this verse come at a good time in my life. I hope my discouragement has not rubbed off on you. It is not my intent. I just try to be real, not pretending.

Life's challenges can get us down at times. They can make us feel too weak to fight the battle. Let's not give up, friends! His love never fails. Keep our heart loyal to God. He is watching over us continually. He wants to show us His strength in our life. Are we looking for God, seeking Him? Yes,
God is looking for you and me so He can show us His strength to carry on, being that our heart is perfect  toward Him. (I had to repeat those words so they would soak into my mind and heart.)

Perfect, in the Hebrew language, means complete, peaceable, quiet, whole.

Are we quiet before the Lord? Are we at peace with Him?

Psalm 73:26b says, God is the strength of my heart. My portion forever.

In Experiencing God Day By Day, the authors explain:

If your heart is loyal to God, you do not have to look for Him. He is already looking for you! God told King Asa that He continuously watches for those who are steadfast in their commitment to Him. When He finds them, He makes His presence powerfully evident to them. Asa's faith in God faltered. God encouraged Assa to take courage in knowing that God never rests or sleeps. He is never distracted, but diligently seeks individuals whose hearts are completely committed to Him.

LET IT GROW

God used King Asa to bring revival to the southern kingdom. (Although, the northern kingdom never did have revival.)
According to J. Vernon McGee, there are certain bridges on the road to revival which we must cross:

1. a knowledge of the Word of God; (chapter 15) (Judah obeyed the Word of God in worship sacrifices.)
2. scriptural separation; (Asa removed the idols in Judah and his grandmother as queen.)
3. faith in God.

When Baasha, king of Israel, came in a civil war against Judah, Asa did not turn to God, but to the king of Syria , Ben-hadad, their ancient enemy. Before this God had delivered Judah from the Ethiopians and Lubims. Yet he now lacked faith.

How did Asa's life exhibit faithlessness in his last 6 years?

• anger at truth (verse 10)
• oppression of God's prophet and people (verse 10)
• seeking man, not God. (verse 12) (MacArthur)

Asa did not receive the rebuke and repent. Therefore, the rest of our key verse says, Herein thou hast done foolishly; therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Asa had a foot disease the last 3 years of his life. Again, he did not seek God for healing, but a doctor. He put Hanani, a prophet, into stocks in prison. Although Asa only went partway with God in partial obedience, God had used him.

Paul told us we were not only saved by faith, but we are to live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)
It impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6)
We are to run with patience the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1)

Do we take our problems to the Lord Jesus, laying them at His feet?
Are we allowing hateful people to discourage our faith?
Is Jesus our hope?
By His wounds we are healed.


LET IT GO

Remain in God's Word, even through the discouraging times.

Keep standing for His commands.

Stay faithful to God; thank Him for His faithfulness.

*We thought Rose was coming home Monday, but so far not so. he has fluid on her lungs and they are trying to get it off. Praying she and her husband get to come home for Easter. What a testimony of the power of God-Jesus' resurrection and Rose's recovery!