Divine Assistance: Trusting God in Overwhelming Challenges

Summary

In the exploration of divine assistance, the focus is drawn to the narrative of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 14:11-15, where Asa's prayer to God exemplifies the reliance on divine strength in the face of overwhelming odds. Asa, facing a formidable enemy, acknowledges that there is no one like God to help the powerless against the mighty. This acknowledgment is not just a cry for help but a declaration of total dependence on God as the sole source of aid.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. It is highlighted that God must become one's personal God, which means having a connection and relationship with Him. This relationship is crucial because it is through this connection that one can confidently call upon God for help in times of need. The story of Asa serves as a reminder that when God is the only option, He will act on behalf of those who call upon Him, making the impossible possible and bringing help through unexpected means.

The discussion further delves into the concept of grace, particularly the grace that is available to help in times of need. Drawing from Hebrews 4:16, it is encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is more than able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that can be imagined. The throne of grace is a place where mercy is received, and grace is found to assist in times of need. This grace is personified in Jesus, who is described as grace itself.

King Asa's life is presented as a case study, illustrating the importance of starting well with God and maintaining that commitment. Asa's initial commitment to God is noted, but a caution is also given regarding the potential for deviation from that path. The narrative of Asa's reign includes his actions that positioned him to receive God's help: removing foreign altars, repairing the altar of the Lord, and commanding Judah to seek the Lord. These actions demonstrate the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and maintaining a strong devotional life.

The message also touches on the power dynamics between the spiritual and the physical realms. It is stated that while many forces in the world may seem powerful, the one who is in believers is greater than any external force. This reinforces the idea that God should remain the only source of help and the only option for assistance.

Asa's prayer for help is dissected, revealing his total reliance on God. He acknowledges that the battle is not just against Judah but against God Himself, as any attack on God's people is seen as an attack on God. This perspective shifts the focus from human ability to divine intervention, where victory is not achieved by human strength but by God's action.

The aftermath of Asa's prayer is a testament to God's faithfulness. The Lord struck down Asa's enemies, the Cushites, and Judah was able to collect a vast amount of plunder without engaging in battle. This outcome illustrates the principle that when God fights for His people, they can rest assured of victory and provision.

In conclusion, the message underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with God, the confidence in approaching God for help, and the assurance of His intervention in the lives of those who trust in Him. It is a call to recognize God as the ultimate helper and to align one's life with His will to experience His divine assistance.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of King Asa demonstrates that acknowledging one's powerlessness and God's unparalleled ability to help is a vital step in experiencing divine intervention. When faced with insurmountable challenges, recognizing that God is the only source of help can lead to miraculous outcomes. Asa's prayer is a model for those who seek God's assistance, showing that reliance on God can bring victory even when human strength is insufficient. [40:03]

- A personal relationship with God is not optional but essential for accessing divine help. Just as Asa called upon "the Lord his God," individuals must cultivate a personal connection with God to confidently seek His aid. This relationship is built through prayer, worship, and obedience, and it is the foundation upon which requests for help are made and answered. [35:29]

- Grace is not just a theological concept but a tangible reality that provides help in times of need. Approaching God's throne of grace with confidence allows individuals to receive mercy and find the grace necessary for their situation. This grace is embodied in Jesus, who is the ultimate source of help and strength for believers. [32:07]

- The actions of King Asa before his prayer illustrate the importance of positioning oneself to receive God's help. By removing foreign altars and repairing the altar of the Lord, Asa showed his commitment to God and His ways. Similarly, believers must align their lives with God's will and maintain a strong devotional life to be in a position to receive divine assistance. [50:38]

- The power of God's presence in the life of a believer can have a profound impact on those around them. As people observed that the Lord was with Asa, they were drawn to him. In the same way, when others see God's hand upon a person's life, it can serve as a powerful testimony and influence them towards seeking God for themselves. [54:20]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 14:11-15 (NIV)
> "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, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.' The Lord struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled, and Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. Such a great number of Cushites fell that they could not recover; they were crushed before the Lord and his forces. The men of Judah carried off a large amount of plunder. They destroyed all the villages around Gerar, for the terror of the Lord had fallen on them. They looted all these villages, since there was much plunder there. They also attacked the camps of the herders and carried off droves of sheep and goats and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem."

2. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
> "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

3. Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
> "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was King Asa's prayer to God when faced with a formidable enemy? ([34:40])
2. How did God respond to Asa's prayer according to 2 Chronicles 14:11-15?
3. What does Hebrews 4:16 encourage believers to do when they need help?
4. According to Psalm 46:1, how is God described in times of trouble?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for God to be one's personal God, as emphasized in Asa's prayer? ([35:29])
2. How does the concept of grace in Hebrews 4:16 relate to the help that believers can receive from God? ([30:32])
3. What actions did King Asa take to position himself to receive God's help, and how can these actions be applied in a believer's life today? ([49:54])
4. How does the narrative of Asa's victory over the Cushites illustrate the principle that "the one who is in believers is greater than any external force"? ([37:43])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt powerless against a situation. How did you respond, and how might Asa's example change your approach in the future? ([34:40])
2. What steps can you take to cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with God, similar to Asa's relationship with "the Lord his God"? ([35:29])
3. How can you approach God's throne of grace with confidence in your daily life, especially when facing challenges? ([30:32])
4. Are there any "foreign altars" in your life that need to be removed to align yourself more closely with God's will? What practical steps can you take to do this? ([55:44])
5. How can you ensure that God remains your only source of help and not just an option among many? ([36:17])
6. In what ways can you demonstrate to others that the Lord is with you, as people saw with King Asa? ([54:20])
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need divine help. How can you position yourself, like Asa, to receive God's assistance in that area? ([49:54])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Intervention
When faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, it is a natural inclination to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Yet, it is in these moments that the opportunity to experience divine intervention becomes most apparent. Acknowledging one's limitations and God's supreme power to assist is not a sign of weakness but a profound step of faith. As exemplified by King Asa, when human strength is insufficient, reliance on God can lead to miraculous outcomes. This reliance is a conscious choice to trust in God's ability to provide and to act in situations that appear impossible from a human perspective. It is a declaration that God is the only source of help and a model for those who seek His assistance. [40:03]

"O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." - 2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt powerless and turned to God for help. How did acknowledging your dependence on Him change the outcome or your perspective on the situation?

Day 2: Cultivating a Personal Connection with God
A personal relationship with God is the cornerstone of faith and the channel through which divine help is accessed. It is not enough to know of God; one must know God personally, as Asa did when he called upon "the Lord his God." This relationship is nurtured through prayer, worship, and obedience, and it is the bedrock upon which requests for help are made and answered. By cultivating this personal connection, individuals can approach God with the confidence that He hears and responds to their cries for help. This connection is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growing closer to God and learning to trust Him more deeply. [35:29]

"But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off.'" - Isaiah 41:8-9 ESV

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take this week to deepen your personal relationship with God?

Day 3: Experiencing Grace in Times of Need
Grace is a powerful and tangible reality that provides help in times of need. It is not merely a theological concept but a present and active force in the lives of believers. Approaching God's throne of grace with confidence allows individuals to receive mercy and find the grace necessary for their situation. This grace is personified in Jesus, who is the ultimate source of help and strength. Believers are encouraged to boldly seek God's grace, knowing that He is more than able to provide for their needs and to do exceedingly abundantly above all that can be imagined. [32:07]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively rely on God's grace in a current struggle or decision you are facing?

Day 4: Aligning Life with God's Will
King Asa's actions before his prayer demonstrate the importance of positioning oneself to receive God's help. By removing foreign altars and repairing the altar of the Lord, Asa showed his commitment to God and His ways. Similarly, believers must align their lives with God's will and maintain a strong devotional life to be in a position to receive divine assistance. This alignment involves not only removing anything that hinders one's relationship with God but also actively seeking Him and His righteousness. It is a call to live a life that is pleasing to God and open to His guidance and blessings. [50:38]

"And Jehoshaphat feared and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." - 2 Chronicles 20:3 ESV

Reflection: What are some things in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God, and how can you begin to remove them this week?

Day 5: Reflecting God's Presence to Others
The power of God's presence in the life of a believer can have a profound impact on those around them. As people observed that the Lord was with Asa, they were drawn to him. In the same way, when others see God's hand upon a person's life, it can serve as a powerful testimony and influence them towards seeking God for themselves. This influence is not about being perfect but about being a vessel through which God's love, grace, and power are made visible to others. It is about living in such a way that God's presence in one's life is undeniable and inspiring to those who witness it. [54:20]

"And the LORD gave them rest all around. And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign." - 2 Chronicles 15:15 ESV

Reflection: How can your life this week reflect God's presence in a way that draws others to seek Him?

Quotes

1) "God is our helper in times of need. We have declared this year our year of Greater Grace and when you are under the grace of God you must position yourself for his help." [29:45] (Download)

2) "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [32:07] (Download)

3) "If God is your only option then he will fight for you, he will make way for you, he will make the impossible possible." [36:17] (Download)

4) "The arm of flesh will fail you but God will not fail you. So they were coming against people they saw as powerful, but when you have God on your side, the witches are powerless." [37:43] (Download)

5) "Your relationship with God will give you access to the promises, it will give you access to things that others will not have access to." [52:05] (Download)

6) "He did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord. Let God be your God. Have Jesus as your lord and personal Savior and be reconciled to your creator." [52:48] (Download)

7) "The Lord was with him and the people saw that the Lord his God was with him. Let people around you know that the Lord is with you." [54:20] (Download)

8) "He commanded Judah to seek the Lord. It is not enough for me to have a good relationship with God; I must also make sure that my house also knows the Lord." [58:01] (Download)

9) "God did the fighting, then they went for the plunder. May God fight for you so that you can have the plunder in the mighty name of Jesus." [49:10] (Download)

10) "God is not just a Helper but he proves himself as a genuine helper. He proves himself in every situation." [29:45] (Download)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?