The Power of Crying Out to God: Asa's Declaration of Faith

In life, we often face overwhelming situations, moments when the odds seem insurmountable, and it feels as if we are standing against insurmountable foes. 2 Chronicles 14:11 provides us with a profound reflection of faith and dependence upon God in such times, showcasing the essence of divine help in the face of adversity. The verse states: "And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee."

As we delve into this passage, we are met with King Asa of Judah, who found himself in a precarious position, facing a vast army from Ethiopia. His reliance on God serves as a powerful model for us today. Asa’s approach was nothing short of desperate yet filled with immense faith. He recognized that divine assistance transcends human resources. In his prayer, he explicitly acknowledges that God’s capability to help is not diminished by physical numbers or human might. "It is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power," he articulated. This declaration invites us to examine our own understanding of God’s sovereignty.

How often do we attempt to navigate our battles with our limited perception? We find ourselves caught in the web of worries, calculating human measures of strength and wisdom. Yet Asa reminds us that God’s might is not contingent upon our circumstances. Whether facing great multitudes or a seemingly insurmountable challenge, we are assured that God’s ability to help is limitless. Our prayers and pleas become our declarations of faith, much like Asa’s call to God amidst intimidation.

Asa’s plea, “help us, O LORD our God,” encapsulates the heart of a believer. It reflects a complete reliance on God’s intervention rather than on superficial solutions or human alliances. In our trials, this humility in acknowledging our need for divine support is crucial. We may often forget that it is God who fights our battles. As we cry out to Him, we step into a posture of trust and surrender, essential elements in our relationship with the Almighty. The phrase, "for we rest on thee," reveals the essence of faith—resting upon the solid foundation that is our God. This resting is not about inactivity; instead, it’s an active choice to entrust all chaos to the one who controls the universe.

Furthermore, Asa's declaration, "in thy name we go against this multitude," demonstrates reliance on God’s authority and power. Going forward in God’s name carries profound implications. It signifies not just permission but the very presence of God leading the charge. Equipped with His strength, we can face our challenges unwaveringly. When we align ourselves with God, we step into the fullness of His power against any enemy that stands before us.

Finally, Asa concludes his prayer with a critical acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty: "O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee." This statement shifts the focus from the circumstances to the character of God Himself. When faced with overwhelming odds, we must remind ourselves that it is not about the size of our problems but about the greatness of our God.

May we be inspired by Asa’s faithfulness, learning to cry out in our times of need, trusting in the Lord who is always present to help us. Let us rest on His strength, confronting life’s multitudes not with trepidation but with the assurance that the Lord of Hosts walks with us. In every battle, may we declare the sovereignty of God, knowing that with Him, we stand undefeated.

Artwork for 2 Chronicles 14:11

2 Chronicles 14:11 - "And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee."

"And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee." - 2 Chronicles 14:11

2 Chronicles 11:14 - "For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD:"

2 chronicles 7:14

2 chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 11:20

2 Chronicles 35:11

2 Chronicles 11:2 - "But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,"

1 Chronicles 11:14 - "And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance."

2 Chronicles 11:9 - "And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,"

2 Chronicles 11:8 - "And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,"

1 Chronicles 2:14 - "Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,"

2 Chronicles 14:2 - "And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:"

2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"

2 Chronicles 11:11 - "And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine."

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14

1 Chronicles 2:11 - "And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,"

2 Chronicles 11:19 - "Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham."

2 Chronicles 11:5 - "¶ And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah."

2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"

2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Chronicles 29:14 - "And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel."

2 Chronicles 15:14 - "And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets."

Humble ourselves and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 4:14 - "He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;"

2 Chronicles 31:11 - "¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,"