God helps man in diverse ways. He is the Almighty, and we will be missing out if we box God into one single mold. God can send help through men, through angels, and He can also help man by Himself. Sometimes, when you look at God’s move, you know that this can only be the finger or hand of the Almighty Himself.
2 Chronicles 20:1–30 is a long read, but I want us to go through it with understanding:
“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them others beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle…”
The whole passage tells us how a great multitude came against Judah, and Jehoshaphat feared. But instead of panicking, he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They gathered together to ask help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat acknowledged before God that they had no might against the great company that had come against them, neither did they know what to do, but their eyes were upon Him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who declared: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
God instructed them to go out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. They were only to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
What army going to war will send forth a worship band before the men of war? What strategy could make armies from different nations gathered together against one country turn against themselves and begin to destroy one another until all of them were completely wiped out? And how is it possible that without one arrow being shot or one bullet being fired, great spoils were taken? That is God for you.
In different passages of the Bible, we hear that the people who have God’s help are happy. And whenever this is mentioned, what follows is usually a display of His power (Deuteronomy 33:29). God will not cast away the righteous, neither will He help the evildoer. So if evil seems to prosper against good, then something is definitely wrong. It is certainly not because God lacks power or ability.
God will always hear the righteous in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1–4). He will help and strengthen them in times of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked (Psalms 37:39–40; Psalms 46:1–5). When you trust in God’s help, you will not be moved. He will keep you in every circumstance.
So with all the power and might of the Almighty God behind us, why then do we still fail? Why is it that the enemy continually rejoices over us? Why does the rod of the wicked seem to rest upon the lot of the righteous? There are many reasons for this:
* Lack of knowledge.
Knowledge brings illumination. No matter how powerful you are, if you are devoid of knowledge, the enemy will continue to toss you to and fro. Are you aware that there is absolutely nothing God cannot do? Do you know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him? Are you aware that sin and unrighteousness are a reproach, and the devil will continue to accuse you before God? You cannot expect a Holy God to avenge you when your hands are soiled. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Are you aware that he who is not merciful will not receive mercy? Are you aware that God does not reward mediocrity? God expects you to rise above reproach so that when He blesses you, the accuser will have nothing to accuse you of.
* Putting God in a box.
A lot of us have the idea that God must work in a particular way. He can give you ideas, wisdom, and open your eyes to opportunities where others see only difficulties and challenges. He does not always work in one pattern. You miss out on a lot when you insist that this is the only way He should do things. Some of us pray believing that God will use that rich uncle to give us a large sum of money for the business we want to start, whereas God wants to give you an idea that will take you beyond your nation and establish you globally.
* Mismanagement.
God is a shrewd businessman and does not condone mismanagement. How are you handling what He has deposited into your hands? You desire to move higher and want Him to help you, but how faithful are you with what you have now? How faithful are you in another man’s business entrusted into your care? The Bible says in Luke 16:10–12:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
If you have not been faithful with little, why should greater things be committed into your hands?
* Lack of sensitivity.
Most times, the children of God are not sensitive to God’s moves. Sometimes you see the burning bush that is not consumed. Sometimes God sends thunderings and lightnings, but these are only to get your attention. If care is not taken, you may misinterpret these things, and when the still small voice comes, you fail to hear the necessary direction. Sometimes you are so frightened by the thunderings and lightnings that you run away like the children of Israel at the mount. Yet many times, the solution you need is wrapped up in what you see as challenges or problems. The burning bush, the thunder, the lightning, and the shaking are only to attract your attention. Wait. Where are you running to? Be patient. Habakkuk 2:1–3 says:
“I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me…”
Not only will you receive the answer, but you will also receive the strategy for success and the correct timing.
* Idolatry.
Sometimes we do not receive help from God because of idol worship. You may say you are not an idol worshipper because you do not bow to wood or stone, yet the shrine of pride is still embedded in your heart. Self struggles to dominate you and erects altars wherever it finds space. Children, especially favourite ones, can become idols in the lives of believers. In trying to avoid the excessive strictness of previous generations, many have moved to another extreme, spoiling their children beyond measure under the guise of “gentle parenting.” If care is not taken, such children may become a curse as Absalom was to David. God will not share His glory with any man or thing. Many worship money, beauty, influence, and countless other things. Yet God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him.
It is possible for you to trust in others rather than in your Maker. You may trust in your rich uncle, your father’s wealth and influence, your education, or your connections. But know this: those things would not even exist without God’s help. The arm of flesh shall surely fail you (2 Chronicles 32:8). Human help is vain (Psalm 60:11; Psalms 107:11–12). When you put your trust in man, failure is inevitable. Isaiah 31:1–3 says:
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help… but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
God is always available when you call upon Him sincerely, but you must allow Him to have His way.
Shalom.