LOYAL HEARTS

…Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand…the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly…”

(2 Chronicles 16:7, 9; NKJV)

Early in his reign, Asa, King of Judah, relied on God. God gave him victory against much larger enemies. Later, he stopped relying on God and relied on others to help him. In spite of this warning, he never relied on God again as he did earlier in his life. His heart was not loyal to God. His success was much smaller and more troublesome than it would have been with God’s help.

God looks for loyal hearts and works on their behalf.

Some people start well, but finish poorly. They seem to love God and serve Him well in the beginning. But later in life, something happens and they stop serving God or seeking Him. They drop out of church. They stop praying and reading the Bible. They get angry and defensive when anyone speaks to them about it.

Others remain faithful to God their entire lives. They love God and serve Him well. They enjoy fellowship with their church family and time alone with God in prayer and meditating on God's Word. They seem much happier than their unfaithful counterparts. If you ask them, they will speak with joy about their relationship with God and His work in their lives. They will tell you how God has given them the victory over the trials they have faced in life.

F.R.O.G. - Fully Rely On God.

If Asa had continued to rely on God, his life would have been much better. The same is true for us. When we fully rely on God, He proves Himself faithful every time.