“It is nothing for you LORD!”

2^nd Chronicles 14:9-13

In 2^nd Chronicles 14:9, Zerah the Ethiopian came out againstAsa and his army to Mareshah with an army of 1 million men and 300 chariots. Asa had assembled a group of men that totaled 580,000, who were identified as mighty men of valor in 2^nd Chronicles 14:8.

The Ethiopians had nearly doubled Asa’s troops. Most would look at this discrepancy and logically conclude that a retreat is in order. Yet, Asa went out against him and set his troops in battle array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Why?

Asa was confident that they would be victorious, but not because of his powerful military, but because of his mighty GOD. Note however, he did not take this truth for granted but rather addressed his GOD before proceeding.

“Asa cried out to the Lord his GOD, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name, we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” 2^nd Chronicles 14:11

When facing a seemingly impossible task by human standards, Asa cries out to the Lord in prayer. Asa does not demand anything of GOD, but rather begins by acknowledging the power and sovereign rule of GOD.

“O LORD, you can help a weak army as easily as a powerful one.” GNB

Asa knew he was outnumbered, but said, “GOD, I know that you can do it.”

Results: “So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.” 2^nd Chronicles 14:12 

How often do we begin our prayers with a declaration of our unwavering faith in the sovereignty of GOD?

How often do we begin our prayers with a plea for help?

How much more effective might our prayers be and how much greater might our faith be in them, if we began with a declaration such the one Asa made?