The Daily Word: Sunday, July 25th, 2021
2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14
Romans 9:1-24
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 20:1
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Therefore he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. – 2 Chron. 14:7
Asa was a good king. He did what was “good and right in the eyes of the Lord” (v 2). He removed idols from Judah, and “commanded [God’s people] to seek the Lord…and to observe the law and the commandment” (v 4). So God blessed Asa. There was peace on every side as God gave victory to Judah over all her enemies.
But when Judah had victory on the outside, King Asa used the time to strengthen on the inside. Asa did not use peacetime to rest on his laurels! He used the rest Israel had from battle to fortify everything God had already given into their hand. He fortified his cities by building “walls…towers, gates, and bars” (v 7). Asa knew that some day Israel would have to defend herself again. So instead of coasting, he got ready.
God is always looking to make you stronger. Sometimes you will be engaged with external change! You will be fighting obvious battles and contending for victory in Jesus’ name. But when you have rest externally, allow God to build you internally. Peacetime is growth time. Use it wisely! God will fortify you so that when the enemy returns, you are stronger than ever before.
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen me! I am so grateful that You build me up the way You do. When I’m at war, I will rely on You to bring me to victory! And when I’m at peace, I will ask You to build me up and make me stronger than ever. Thank You that no matter what I’m doing, you make me better, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.