When you are in trouble where do you turn to for help? Some of us still turn to our parents, even though we have not lived with them for decades. Some turn to friends. In todays connective society some will turn to “Social Influencers”. People we never met or spoken to but we follow on our phones.
Trouble comes to all of us. Jesus Himself promised. “In the world you will have tribulation;” or trouble. This is a promise that no one needs to claim. Trouble comes to all of us whether we want it or not. It is true that some of the trouble we bring to ourselves. However, there is plenty of trouble that comes all on its own. Through circumstances and people that are in our circle.
In the Bible we have many examples of this but one clear example is found in 2 Chronicles 16. Asa was King over Judah. God had given him victories because he trusted in God. However, when Baasha king of Israel come up against Judah, king Asa became frighten and made a treaty with with Syria using the gold and silver from the house of the Lord. He bribed them to fight their battle. So God sent Hanani the prophet to Asa and said to him, "Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God . . . from now on you shall have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16:7,9.
Notice God’s complaint here. King Asa sought an enemy nation, one that did not know or worship the true God of heaven and earth, he sought them to help him in his time of trouble and distress. He could have and should have, according to God, to seek out God’s help and presence in this time of trouble.
It is easy to look at Asa’ situation and know where he went wrong. But how many times do we look for human sources to help us in our time of trouble? I know my first reaction to trouble is to look for an easy and fast solution. Usually the first place I look to is Google, not the Bible or prayer.
Through this story God is speaking to modern man as well and asking why do we not turn to Him for our deliverance. I know He has done it before in each of our lives just like He did it before in Asa’s life. We usually turn to God after we have exhausted all other options. God is our last resort when He should be and wants to be our first resort. Jesus did say, “In the world you will have tribulation;” but He also said, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Take cheer or be happy when trouble comes? Yes, because that is an opportunity to see God at work. He has already overcome! It does not mean that everything will be gone. Somethings we struggle with health issues we may not see the victory until Christ returns, but victory we will have!! Knowing that, peace can then fill our hearts and we can face any trouble with confidence in the LORD. I don't know what 2024 will bring. But I know there will be trouble ahead. I also know that there will be victory ahead if we turn to God first and seek for His leading through all of our difficulties. - Pastor Danny
