In II Chronicles 16, the kingdom of King Asa, a man of God, was under siege by another country. Immediately Asa contacted the King of Syria for help. In response, Syria eliminated the threat and Asa's people enjoyed the spoils of the battle.  

This is like most stories about our battles in life, whether nationwide or personal...

1) There is an enemy attack  2) We seek help 3) The battle is over 4) End of story. 

But unknown to us, it is not the end of the story. It is just the beginning. When God is not consulted first, we create much trouble for ourselves. Such was the case of King Asa.   

SOMETHING BIGGER THAN "SYMPTOM RELIEF"

While Asa was enjoying relief that the threat of war had ended, God showed up with a serious rebuke for him through Hanani the Prophet. He said, "Because you relied on the king of Syria and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you." (II Chron.16:7) Wow! It didn't look like anyone had escaped...the symptoms were relieved (the threat of battle) and life had returned to normal, even better than normal. But it wasn't so in God's eyes.

The Lord wanted to take this threat that the enemy meant for evil, and use it to further His and King Asa's cause on the earth! But by relying on the King of Syria (an enemy), Asa undermined it by taking matters into his own hands. How may times have we done the same thing? In an effort to only "relieve our symptoms" we fail to see that in our battle, God is desiring to conquer the enemy in our life once and for all and reveal Himself to us. If our only goal is to avoid trouble, we will use our own efforts, human intellect, and power of man, and God's plan will be totally ignored. Then the enemy is free to attack us again because we have yet to experience what it means for the Lord to give us victory. That's what God meant when He told Asa, "You have done foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you shall have wars." (II Chorn.16:9b)

DON'T WASTE THIS TRIAL!

What kind of trials are you going through today? Don't waste this opportunity you have been given to know the Lord in a new and profound way. Isn't that really our only goal in life...to know Him? (Phil.3:7-10) What profit is there if you win this battle but are not positively changed by it? How are we better off if we are set free from temporary earthly discomforts, but fail to seize this marvelous opportunity the enemy has given us? Remember, you may never again have an opportunity like this to soar to new spiritual heights. Don't say, "Uh oh, look at the size of this wave that's coming!" Ride it! 

WHAT DO WE DO?

1)         LISTEN to the great truth God told King Asa...

            "the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself

            strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him." (II Chron.16:9)

            KNOW that your Heavenly Father is looking for an opportunity to demonstrate His

            power in your situation. All He needs is "all of your heart". Examine it!

2)         ASK the Lord for what His plan is in your current trial.

            How does He want you to respond? Does He want you to respond?  

            Should you consult another wise believer for advice? 

3)         REMEMBER that He is acted on your behalf time and time again.

            God had to remind Asa in verse 8, that He had never failed him before.

            Adopt a thankful heart for past victories and watch faith arise!