We have a tendency at times to depend upon our own strength and ingenuity and we fail to evaluate the situation from God’s perspective. King Asa is a classic example of someone who started out well, but became prideful and started relying upon his own strategies rather than depending upon God. God brought a prophet into Asa’s life to show him that he was off course:

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.” (2 Chronicles 16:7-8)

Asa thought he could solve the problem without God’s assistance. Pride has a way of giving us an inflated view of our capabilities. We must realize that God knows not only our actions, but also our thoughts and motives. God is omniscient and nothing escapes His notice:

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

It is significant to note that God is watching over us, not so He can punish us, but so He can strongly support those who have a heart that is completely His. God is not eager to support half-hearted commitment, but He does support those who are resolutely dependent upon Him. How is your heart toward God? Asa however, did not like God’s messaage and he punished the messenger:

Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. (2 Chronicles 16:10)

A distinguishing characteristic between and wise person and a fool, is a wise person listens to reproof and learns from his mistakes. Conversely, the fool does not take heed and listen, but he continues in his folly:

Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. (Proverbs 26:11)

Asa’s strong start did not guarantee a good finish as he continued in his own way:

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians. (2 Chronicles 16:12)

The lesson from this verse is not to avoid using gifted physicians, but we must not fail to seek the Lord. Is God your first response or your last resort? May you have a heart that is completely His and experience God’s support in your life.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5