Asa and Judah were about to engage in warfare with the far superior force of the Ethiopians. However, they did not despair. What Asa did before the battle reveals how we too can win in our struggles when faced with the spiritual forces and principalities. Today, we are in warfare and are no match for Satan or his army. Yet, there is a way of victory. Follow these guidelines in the prayer of Asa:

The first thing we learn is to involve God in our battles. Apart from Him there is no victory. Our own ability or resources are no match for the battles we face each day. God is just a prayer away, and we need Him as our Commander In Chief. He knows the way to victory. Whatever battle you find yourself facing today, the Bible tells us that God is able and willing to help in our times of need. (Psalm 50:15) “Call upon Me in the day of trouble , I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.” Asa called out to the LORD. He took God at His word and reached out to Him who is able. Are you willing to put the battle into God’s hands? Asa appealed to Him, fully aware of his own inability. That brings us to the next point

Asa was not looking at the vastness of the Ethiopian army before him, he was looking at God’s almighty power whether with many or few. He had the right perspective. Many today look at the circumstances they face and are defeated before the battle even begins. Asa looked at the One who is greater than any circumstance we will ever face. Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think. Paul realized this when he said, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us” (Rom 8:37). Whatever circumstance you face today, physical, emotional, or spiritual, put it in God’s hands. Look to His ability to overcome and not your own. Along with reaching out to God and relying on Him we are to

REST ON GOD’S HELP
(11) “for we rest on thee”

The word rest means to lean on or place confidence in. Sometimes we claim to be trusting God, but then try to take control and do things our way rather than His. Resting on God means we look to Him for direction and guidance. Study His word, pray and ask for leading. Let God speak to you and show you the way He wants you to take. It is often here that many times we fail. We try to run ahead of God or take a direction which He has not shown us. Waiting is difficult but essential. The Psalm writer said, “I wait upon thee: for God is my defense (Psalm 59:9) .” Isaiah said, “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isa 40:31). Waiting on God brings renewal, strength and protection. While you wait take this next step as well

God’s name is an expression of God’s character and person. His honor, His authority, His ability is what is meant by His name. There is nothing too hard for the Lord. Jesus said, “Wwhatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13,14). God is fully committed to us. Referring to Jesus Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) We trust in Jesus’ name for salvation and we trust in His name for deliverance both now and for all eternity. “Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:57)

In vs 12 of our text it says, “The LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah” God answered Asa’s prayer with a mighty victory. The victory is ours as well in the Lord Jesus Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The only fight which is lost is that which we give up.” Regardless of what you face today, follow these guidelines. Don’t give up and never give in. Reach out to God, rely on His ability, rest on Him and reflect on who He is and what He promises to all who call on Him. God bless.