Surviving the Storm, Part 3

David Uth
Feb 1, 2009

2 Chronicles 16:1-14

On our money is printed, "In God We Trust" but is it just a slogan or do we really live it?
When faced with bad times we have a hard time trusting God because we feel like we are falling and we can't see him. We have to trust God even though we can't see him. After all, God can see us! He knows exactly what is going on.
What can we learn from the story of King Asa?

1. He turned to man instead of God in crisis
- Where do you put your trust

2. He took money from God and gave it to a pagan king
- God is your hope in bad times, why would you withhold from him
- When faced with bad times the first thing to go is our money to God
3. He trusted a pagan king for things God would have done for free

4. His plan was a success in the eyes of man but not in God's eyes
- We are smart people with lots of horsepower, we will get through our situation but will it be God's way or by shear force?
- Is success always the final word? no! There is a higher authority that determines success.

5. He forgot what God had done, 2 Chronicles 14:11
- "...we would rely on you..." God honored Asa's prayer so why did he bail out without trusting God this time?
- Remember what God has done for you
- Asa went to God with the big stuff but not the small stuff
- No matter how big or small, God can handle it, we will trust Him with our eternity but not for Tuesday?
- Like a big tree that survives storms, fires, winds, and rain but gets taken down by termites!
6. He finished very differently than he started
- Asa finished in defeat, full of rage and anger and hurting other people
- He didn't like the message so he hurt the messenger
- People can't fight God so they will act out on his messengers
7. He did not seek the Lord
- There is nothing wrong with getting help from a doctor, God gave them the skills and knowledge to help people.
- What is wrong is not seeking God

The big question is not how you start but how you finish.
In crisis, God is looking for those who trust Him. He wants to be a strong supporter for them.