by Chris Steele

November 11, 2007

Although he had some flaws, Amaziah, was considered a pretty good king in Judah. He had made things right in the southern kingdom and for the most part lived according to the law of Moses.

Soon after he became king he reformed the army to ready an attack against the evil Edomites. He thought that he may not have enough soldiers, so he hired an hundred thousand mercenaries from Israel. An unnamed prophet warned against these additional soldiers saying, “...God has power to help and to overthrow” (2 Chronicles 25:8). God had rejected Israel because of their wicked ways. Amaziah reminded the prophet that he had already paid these men to fight. The king was reminded that God can give so much more than what was lost in this payment.

The idea resounded in both of the nations of Judah and Israel, that the battle belongs to the Lord. How often did the Lord fight for them? Every time! When they were faithful in the instructions given for battle and life, how many times did they win those battles? Every single one! When they relied on their own wisdom and strength, how often did things go badly? Every time!

What a wonderful blessing it is to know that God's promise is still the same today. He has the power to help and to overthrow in our personal lives. He also blesses us with far greater riches (spiritually and physically) to make up for the losses we face when we have relied on him and his will. The answer is not in ourselves, or drugs and alcohol, material wealth, illicit sexual relationships, immorality or perversion, or any such thing. How often people rely on these things for help and comfort.

Yes, as long as we live we’re going to face different challenges and adversities. Every single time, God has power to help and to overthrow. When we struggle, God has power to help and to overthrow. When we hurt, God has power to help and to overthrow. When we fail, God has power to help and to overthrow. When we set goals, God has power to help and to overthrow. When we’re confused, God has power to help and to overthrow. Let’s learn that when we rely on God, we have all the help we need.