Faithful Reliance: Trusting God Over Human Strategies

 

Summary

Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the lives of biblical figures like Jehoshaphat, Elijah, and Asa, who began their journeys with remarkable faith and reliance on God. Yet, as time passed, they often turned to their own strategies and alliances, leading to their downfall. This pattern of starting strong in faith but faltering later is a cautionary tale for us all. Jehoshaphat, for instance, experienced God's miracles but later relied on an unholy alliance, resulting in the destruction of his ships. Similarly, Asa, after years of faithful leadership, chose to rely on human alliances rather than God, leading to conflict and strife.

These stories serve as a mirror for our own lives, challenging us to examine whether we are truly relying on God or hedging our bets with worldly strategies. The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel is a powerful reminder of unwavering faith. Elijah was so confident in God's power that he drenched the altar with water, knowing that God would still send fire. This kind of faith is rare today, as we often try to "help" God with our own plans and resources.

Reflecting on my own journey, I realize the importance of maintaining a blameless heart that fully trusts in God. The eyes of the Lord search for those whose hearts are wholly devoted to Him, and He promises to strongly support them. This is a call to return to a childlike faith, where we trust God completely, without relying on our own understanding or resources.

During a recent trip to South Africa, I experienced a renewed sense of God's power and presence. In a dream, I saw a scripture reference, Psalm 19:1-4, which speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory. This experience reminded me that God's creation itself is a testament to His greatness, and sometimes, we need to step back and let His glory shine through without our interference.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, let us strive to maintain a heart that is blameless and fully reliant on God. Let us be like the stars, declaring His glory, and trusting that He will come through in His own miraculous ways.

Key Takeaways:

- Unwavering Faith: The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel teaches us the importance of having unwavering faith in God's power. Elijah's confidence in God was so strong that he drenched the altar with water, knowing that God would still send fire. This challenges us to trust God completely, without relying on our own strategies. [06:29]

- The Danger of Self-Reliance: The lives of Jehoshaphat and Asa remind us of the dangers of turning to our own understanding and alliances instead of relying on God. Despite their initial faithfulness, their reliance on human strategies led to their downfall. We must guard against this tendency in our own lives. [27:25]

- God's Search for Blameless Hearts: God is actively searching for those whose hearts are blameless and fully devoted to Him. He promises to strongly support those who trust Him completely. This is a call to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are fully relying on God. [29:39]

- Creation Declares God's Glory: Psalm 19:1-4 reminds us that the heavens declare the glory of God. Sometimes, we need to step back and let God's creation speak for itself, trusting that His glory will shine through without our interference. [16:10]

- Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to be His witnesses and live transformed lives. We must believe in this promise and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. [33:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:30] - Jehoshaphat's Unholy Alliance
- [06:29] - Elijah's Unwavering Faith
- [07:58] - Lessons from the Kings
- [10:13] - Joash's Downfall
- [12:06] - Uzziah's Pride
- [13:50] - Seeking God's Power
- [15:57] - Dream of Psalm 19
- [17:23] - Worship in Potchefstroom
- [19:33] - The Power of Creation
- [21:30] - Preparing to Preach
- [22:02] - King Asa's Story
- [27:25] - Asa's Reliance on Alliances
- [29:39] - God's Search for Blameless Hearts
- [33:15] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Chronicles 16:9
2. 1 Kings 18:30-39 (Elijah on Mount Carmel)
3. Psalm 19:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. What actions did Jehoshaphat take that led to the destruction of his ships, and how does this reflect a shift in his reliance on God? [05:25]

2. How did Elijah demonstrate his unwavering faith in God during the event on Mount Carmel? [06:29]

3. What was the significance of the dream involving Psalm 19:1-4 during the pastor's trip to South Africa? [15:57]

4. How did King Asa's reliance on human alliances instead of God lead to conflict, according to the sermon? [27:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Jehoshaphat serve as a warning against forming unholy alliances in our own lives? [05:25]

2. In what ways does Elijah's faith challenge modern believers to trust in God's power without relying on their own strategies? [06:29]

3. What does the pastor's experience in South Africa suggest about the importance of recognizing God's glory in creation? [19:33]

4. How does the story of King Asa illustrate the consequences of shifting from reliance on God to reliance on human strategies? [27:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strategies instead of trusting God. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently now? [05:25]

2. Elijah demonstrated a rare kind of faith by drenching the altar with water. What is one area in your life where you need to demonstrate a similar level of trust in God? [06:29]

3. The pastor's dream about Psalm 19:1-4 highlighted the glory of God's creation. How can you take time this week to appreciate and reflect on God's handiwork in nature? [19:33]

4. King Asa's story warns against the dangers of self-reliance. What practical steps can you take to ensure your heart remains fully devoted to God? [27:25]

5. The sermon emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. How can you actively seek to live in the power of the Holy Spirit this week? [33:15]

6. Consider the pastor's reflection on maintaining a blameless heart. What specific actions can you take to cultivate a heart that is wholly devoted to God? [29:39]

7. How can you be like the stars, declaring God's glory in your daily life, and what changes might you need to make to let His glory shine through you? [19:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Power Over Our Plans
In the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, we see a profound example of unwavering faith. Elijah's confidence in God's power was so strong that he drenched the altar with water, fully trusting that God would still send fire. This act of faith challenges us to trust God completely, without relying on our own strategies or interventions. In today's world, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to "help" God with our plans and resources, but Elijah's story reminds us that true faith means stepping back and allowing God to work in His own miraculous ways. [06:29]

1 Kings 18:36-38 (ESV): "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are relying on your own plans instead of trusting God's power? How can you step back and allow God to work in that area today?


Day 2: The Perils of Self-Reliance
The lives of Jehoshaphat and Asa serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of self-reliance. Both started their journeys with remarkable faith and reliance on God, experiencing His miracles and guidance. However, as time passed, they turned to their own strategies and alliances, leading to their downfall. Jehoshaphat's unholy alliance resulted in the destruction of his ships, while Asa's reliance on human alliances led to conflict and strife. These stories remind us to guard against the tendency to rely on our own understanding and strategies instead of trusting in God. [27:25]

2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (ESV): "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision where you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance. How can you begin to trust God more fully in your decision-making process?


Day 3: God's Search for Blameless Hearts
God is actively searching for those whose hearts are blameless and fully devoted to Him. He promises to strongly support those who trust Him completely. This is a call to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are fully relying on God. A blameless heart is one that is wholly devoted to God, trusting Him without reservation. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and independence, maintaining a blameless heart requires intentionality and a return to childlike faith. [29:39]

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a blameless heart that is fully devoted to God? What steps can you take today to deepen your trust in Him?


Day 4: Creation as a Testament to God's Glory
Psalm 19:1-4 reminds us that the heavens declare the glory of God. Sometimes, we need to step back and let God's creation speak for itself, trusting that His glory will shine through without our interference. During a recent experience, the speaker was reminded of this truth through a dream of Psalm 19. God's creation is a powerful testament to His greatness, and it calls us to recognize His glory in the world around us. By observing the beauty and majesty of creation, we can be reminded of God's power and presence in our lives. [16:10]

Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

Reflection: Take a moment to observe the beauty of God's creation around you. How does recognizing God's glory in creation impact your faith and trust in Him?


Day 5: Living Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to be His witnesses and live transformed lives. Believing in this promise means living in the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit equips us to fulfill God's purposes and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth. Embracing the power of the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life that is fully devoted to God. [33:15]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you in your daily life? What specific areas of your life need the transformative power of the Holy Spirit today?

Quotes


I mean think about Elijah when I think about the the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, you know he just knew God was going to come through, but he did what what we probably wouldn't do he says well you know what why don't you just throw buckets of water on that thing because God's going to light it on fire so no matter what you do, it's still going to happen. [00:06:21]

I love reading through the Kings and and reading about each of them because for me it's a time of like self-reflection. I go okay God am I am I like that guy or I don't want to be like that guy you know after uh Jehoshaphat dies his son uh jehoram takes over and he leads for like eight years but but it's such a horrible verse in uh in second chronicles 21 verse 20. [00:07:48]

Joe Ash was pretty amazing, but uh again he was seven years old when he started to reign, seven years old. I mean imagine grabbing a seven-year-old out of the child care right now and making him King, crazy, and he ends up leading for 40 years. I mean some of you have seven-year-olds, imagine them leading us right now, and yet this King did it for 40 years. [00:09:16]

I felt like God said, King Asa, II chronicles 16 9. where it says the eyes of the Lord Reigns to and fro throughout the Earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him, you have done foolishly in this for from now on you will have wars but that first part the eyes of the Lord Reigns to and fro the Earth. [00:22:05]

I mean do we believe that literally the eyes of the Lord are looking, he's looking, I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. The blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. [00:29:37]

I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him, the blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. It's like all these people that's that's the way they started they had this heart that was blameless what was that blameless heart it was one that relied on God. [00:29:37]

I mean do we believe that literally the eyes of the Lord are looking, he's looking, I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. The blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. [00:29:37]

I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him, the blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. It's like all these people that's that's the way they started they had this heart that was blameless what was that blameless heart it was one that relied on God. [00:29:37]

I mean do we believe that literally the eyes of the Lord are looking, he's looking, I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. The blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. [00:29:37]

I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him, the blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. It's like all these people that's that's the way they started they had this heart that was blameless what was that blameless heart it was one that relied on God. [00:29:37]

I mean do we believe that literally the eyes of the Lord are looking, he's looking, I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. The blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. [00:29:37]

I mean it says he's looking throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him, the blameless heart he's saying ASA that was you uziah that was you Jehoshaphat that was you. It's like all these people that's that's the way they started they had this heart that was blameless what was that blameless heart it was one that relied on God. [00:29:37]

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Transcript
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