2 Chronicles Chapter 25: Verses 6-9 (NIV-UK)
He also hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundred talentsof silver.
But a man of God came to him and said, ‘Your Majesty, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel – not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.’
Amaziah asked the man of God, ‘But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?’
The man of God replied, ‘The Lord can give you much more than that.’
King Amaziah bought himself some assistance for an upcoming war. He obviously felt that he didn’t have enough soldiers and needed a way to secure victory, so he thought he’d found a solution, even if it cost him financially. But he didn’t do as his father had done in a similar situation. He didn’t ask for God’s help. God, however, was very gracious to him and sent a prophet to warn him that there would be consequences to the action he had taken if he proceeded with his plans. When he queried the advice given him by the prophet, he was reminded that God was able to provide for all of his needs, no matter how things looked. Thankfully, on that occasion, he listened to the advice he was given, and God gave him the victory over his enemies. Sadly, he didn’t continue to do so.
When we too find ourselves in a difficult situation, we can easily make things worse by trying to work out a way to resolve matters under our own steam, without thinking to ask God for His help. He may have different plans to deal with the issue. Our own ideas may have consequences that in the long-term make things more difficult. God can help us. All we need to do is ask.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember the words spoken to Amaziah – God can give you much more than that. My way is not always the right way to handle the circumstances I find myself in, but Your way always is. I just need to ask for your help, and importantly, do as You say. Thank You for the grace You show us, even when we get ourselves into hot water. Amen.