Divine Decoded: Mastering Trust in God – A Comprehensive How-To and the Top Mistakes to Avoid!

Let’s delve into the story of King Asa, the ruler of Judah (2 Chronicles 14). Upon ascending the throne, a decade of peaceful prosperity followed. King Asa’s leadership shone as he fortified cities, dismantled foreign altars and pagan shrines, and courageously removed sacred pillars and Asherah poles. His deep commitment to guiding his people back to the Lord resulted in divine favor, shielding the kingdom from war and providing them respite from enemies. Witness how King Asa’s genuine trust in God paved the way for the successful completion of his fortification projects during this time of tranquility.

King Asa commanded a formidable army, boasting three hundred thousand well-equipped warriors hailing from the land of Judah. These battle-hardened soldiers were armed with sturdy large spears and shields, ready to defend their kingdom. Additionally, he marshaled an impressive force of two hundred and eighty thousand skilled warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, further bolstering his ranks. Both armies were renowned for their exceptional training and combat prowess, a testament to King Asa’s dedication to ensuring the strength and readiness of his forces.

1. When the Struggle Surpasses Your Strength

There was once a great challenge faced by Asa, the Ethiopian army, with its vast numbers and powerful chariots, threatened to overwhelm Judah. Despite the odds, Asa did not rely solely on his own might and military strength. Instead, he humbled himself before God and cried out for divine assistance. In this moment of desperation, Asa’s prayer resonates with the deep emotions that all of us have experienced when faced with seemingly insurmountable difficulties.

“Lord, there is none to match Your aid for the weak against the strong. We call upon You, Lord our God, for we put our trust in You, and in Your name, we stand against this formidable army. You are our God, and we earnestly request that You do not let mere mortals’ triumph over You.”

The Ethiopian army was defeated before the eyes of Asa’s forces, and they were left in disarray, unable to recover and regroup.

2. Victory demands cautious steps!

After their victory against the Ethiopians, the Spirit of God came upon Azariah with a specific message for Asa and his people. The message conveyed, “Listen carefully! The Lord will remain with you as long as you stay devoted to Him. Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you.

In the past, Israel experienced a time without God’s guidance. They were without priests to teach them and the law to instruct them. However, whenever they faced troubles and turned to the Lord seeking Him, they found Him. During those dark days, traveling was unsafe, and problems troubled people from every land. Nations fought against nations, and cities clashed with cities, as God troubled them with various afflictions.

But for you, be strong and courageous and your work will be rewarded.”

3. When logic and reason take the place of trust in God.

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah by fortifying Ramah, cutting off anyone from entering or leaving King Asa’s territory. Asa responded by removing the silver and gold from the treasuries of the temple of the Lord and sent it to Ben Hadad of Aram, asking him to break all alliances with Baasha of Israel so that he would leave Asa alone.

Ben Hadad followed Asa’s instructions and attacked Baasha, conquering a few towns of Israel. As soon as that happened, Baasha left Ramah and its fortifications, abandoning his project.

At that time, Hanani the seer came to see Asa with a message. He said, “Because you put your trust in the King of Aram instead of the Lord, you missed the chance to destroy the army of the kingdom of Aram. Don’t you remember the Ethiopians and the Libyans with their vast armies and chariots? At that time, you relied on the Lord, and He handed them over to you. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth to strengthen those whose heart is fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been! From now on, you will be at war.”

4. Your choices shape the outcome of your story.

Upon hearing Hanani’s message, Asa became so enraged that he imprisoned the seer and subjected him to harsh treatment, putting him in stocks. In his anger, Asa also began oppressing some of the people. As time passed, in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa suffered from a severe foot disease. Yet, even in his ailment, he did not seek God’s help but relied solely on physicians for a cure. Eventually, Asa passed away, and people paid tribute to him by constructing an enormous funeral pyre in his honor.