Why would Asa not trust in God when Baasha rose up against him? God had demonstrated his faithfulness to Asa so clearly in the past, and in the face of a greater threat. There is nothing rational about Asa’s decisions here, but they are very natural. Our natural inclination in times of crisis is to immediately try to gain control of the situation. This is not always wrong. In most cases we should do something. There is no virtue in sinking into passive resignation. But times of crisis are also the most important times to stop and enquire of God. These junctures in life give us the opportunity to show whose hands our life is in. They are moments when we can renew our commitment to trust in God. Asa had trusted in God in the past, but faith requires opportunities to renew its commitment. The natural inclination of the human heart is to independence, so we need regular opportunities to exercise faith. The threat from Baasha provided this opportunity for Asa, but it seems that his commitment had been worn away by the winds of time. He takes things into his own hands and has to compromise spiritually as a result. Where is your commitment lately? Are you ready to face trials? Be sure to always keep your faith alive through prayer and worship, because you never know when you will be tested.
Ask God to give you opportunities to renew your faith.
Read 2 Chronicles 16
