Are You Prepared?

I have been enjoying my daily readings from my beautiful study Bible with Ellen G. White comments. In 2 Chronicles 14, King Asa of Judah impressed me with how he used his years of peace and prosperity to build up Judah against possible emergencies and enemy attacks. Instead of sitting back and taking life easy, he made the most of that time by removing places of idol worship and building fortified cities with protective walls, towers, and gates. He also prepared and trained Judah’s army of three hundred thousand with shields and spears, and Benjamin’s two-hundred-eighty-thousand-man army with shields and bows—all “mighty men of valor” (verse 8) who would be prepared for battle at a moment’s notice.

And he led his people to make peace with God.

Then, out of the blue, Zerah led the Ethiopian army of a million soldiers and three hundred chariots to fight against Judah.

This army was capable of sweeping away any enemy it faced! Asa prayed in anguish to God for help, having a personal knowledge of God’s miraculous care and rescue of His people in the past. “LORD, there is no one beside You to help . . . ; help us, LORD our God, for we trust in You. . . . LORD, you are God; do not let man prevail against You” (2 Chronicles 14:11, NASB).

Even though Asa’s forces were far fewer in number than the enemy, his faith in God did not weaken. He was no stranger to God’s wonderful power.

In answer to his prayer, God turned the tide and gave His people victory against the Ethiopian army. King Asa and his army chased them to Gerar (Gaza), carried away much plunder, and defeated all the cities around that area.

Today, while we live a relatively easy life, we need to prepare for earth’s last battle with Satan. We must grow and strengthen our love for God and His Word.

Otherwise, we could easily be swept away by Satan’s surprise attacks.

We can offer Asa’s prayer, knowing we fight against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places (see Ephesians 6:12).

God will unite His omnipotence with our efforts.

“Clad with the armor of His righteousness, we may gain the victory over every foe.”

Merian Richardson