Protective Measures

There was this king named Asa (II Chronicles 14). The Bible says he did what was right in God’s eyes, he removed all other gods, he commanded his people to seek the Lord…and the land was at peace.  In fact, no one was at war with him because “the Lord gave him rest.”  But during the time of rest, he built up the area around him with protective measures and sought God, as he thanked Him stating, “He has given us rest on every side.”

After a time, this big army came towards Asa and his people, and Asa was prepared.  However, he stopped (wisdom) and called out to God, stating, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.”  He declared, “We rely on you,” and then went to battle.

What a great story.  During the time of rest, he fortified his city.  Then when outsiders rose up against him, he was prepared.  But wait!  He didn’t rely on his fortifications alone.  He sought wisdom from God, confessed his weakness and HIS power…and then he went to battle.

I know I’ve been defeated before because during a time of rest, instead of bulking up spiritually, I’ve sat and become flabby and complacent.  So when the next army approached, I cowered in fear and ran…simply because I had let my guard down…so to speak. 

We eat fortified cereal and other foods in order to stave off illness when we’re well and healthy.  In the same way, we have to fortify ourselves in the Word and prayer when we’re at peace and in a restful state.  And then when an army approaches, we’re ready.  Not to do battle – because the battle is His – but to offer our faith, our reliance on Him, our confession of weakness – all those things we fortified while at rest. 

Then He defeats our enemies and sends them running, before they ever step foot on our land.