In what ways can we prioritize seeking God first in our challenges? The Snapshot of Asa’s Choice “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and the malady became increasingly severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians” (2 Chronicles 16:12). King Asa had once trusted the Lord boldly (2 Chronicles 14:11-12), yet in this later crisis he turned exclusively to human help. Scripture records the omission so that believers learn to move in the opposite direction—toward wholehearted dependence on God at every stage of a challenge. Why Seeking God First Matters • God alone sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). • He invites His people to draw near for wisdom, strength, and deliverance (Psalm 34:4; James 1:5). • Prioritizing His counsel guards hearts from fear and misaligned decisions (Philippians 4:6-7). Practical Ways to Place God at the Center of a Trial 1. Immediate Surrender • At the first sign of trouble, verbalize trust in Him rather than rehearsing worst-case scenarios. • Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.” 2. Scripture First, Strategy Second • Search the Word for direct promises and commands related to the situation. • Allow the passages to shape every plan, just as Proverbs 3:5-6 urges believers to acknowledge Him in all ways. 3. Dependent Prayer, Continual • Turn anxieties into petitions, thanking God in advance for His answer (Philippians 4:6). • Seek Him continuously, not just once, remembering 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 4. God-Centered Counsel • Consult mature believers who honor Scripture, ensuring advice aligns with God’s revealed will. • Proverbs 15:22 highlights the value of godly counselors. 5. Obedient Action • When God gives direction, obey promptly. • James 2:17 reminds that faith proves itself through responsive deeds. 6. Ongoing Evaluation • Regularly check motivations so that reliance on secondary means—medicine, finances, connections—never eclipses reliance on the Lord. • Colossians 3:17 calls for every word and deed to flow from gratitude to Him. Biblical Illustrations of Seeking God First • Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the Lord before battle (2 Chronicles 20:3-4) and witnessed miraculous deliverance. • Hezekiah spread the threatening letter before the Lord (2 Kings 19:14-19) and received supernatural protection. • Nehemiah prayed and fasted before approaching the king, then built with divine favor (Nehemiah 1–2). Promises for Those Who Seek Him • “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). • “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25). • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Living Out the Lesson Today King Asa’s misstep serves as a sobering reminder that even seasoned believers must guard against self-reliance. By choosing immediate surrender, anchoring plans in Scripture, practicing persistent prayer, seeking godly counsel, walking in obedience, and continually evaluating motives, every challenge becomes an opportunity to honor the Lord and experience His faithful intervention. |
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