This past Sunday, we looked into the story of King Asa as Pastor Mandy led us through the next chapter of our Re-Imagine series. While Pastor Larry ministered in Gabon, we explored a powerful theme: Rest and Reformation.
King Asa’s life offers us timeless lessons about trusting God, the cost of leaning on human strength, and the blessing of true reform.
The Lord Is with You When You Are with Him
In 2 Chronicles 14:2-5, we see Asa taking bold steps to reform Judah. He removed idols, destroyed altars, and commanded the people to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. This reformation brought peace and rest to the kingdom.
“He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him.” – 2 Chronicles 14:5 (NKJV)
What does this mean for us today? It’s a reminder that God’s presence brings peace. When we actively seek Him, He will be found. Are you fully seeking Him in your life? Or are you letting the “high places” of worldly distractions take precedence?
Watch the full sermon: Look deeper into this powerful message from Pastor Mandy on Rest and Reformation. Watch here.
Reform Requires Change
Reformation means change. Asa didn’t do it halfway—he went all in, even removing his grandmother from her position as queen mother because of her idolatry (1 Kings 15:13). That’s a tough call, but it shows his commitment to God’s ways.
We, too, need to examine our lives. Are there things that need to go? Are we clinging to habits or relationships that pull us away from God? Reformation starts with a willingness to surrender fully to Him. God doesn’t do halfway—He calls us to be fully in or fully out.
Trust the Lord, Not the World
One of the most significant lessons from Asa’s life is the danger of trusting in human strength over God. In his early reign, Asa relied on God and saw incredible victories, such as the defeat of the Cushites. “The Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” – 2 Chronicles 14:12 (NKJV)
However, in his later years, Asa turned to an alliance with the king of Syria instead of seeking the Lord. This reliance on worldly alliances offended God and brought consequences:
- Asa faced wars for the rest of his reign (2 Chronicles 16:9).
- He became enraged at God’s rebuke and imprisoned the prophet Hanani.
- In his illness, he sought only physicians, not the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:12).
How often do we lean on the world’s solutions instead of trusting God? It offends God when we trust anything other than Him.
Renew Your Mind and Trust His Plan
Reformation isn’t just external; it begins in the mind. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
When we think differently, we live differently. Asa’s downfall began when he stopped renewing his trust in God. Let’s not make the same mistake. Here are practical steps to renew our minds:
- Own up to your mistakes: Acknowledge areas where you’ve fallen short.
- Take authority: Submit your weaknesses to God, trusting His power.
- Confess to God: Invite Him into every area of your life.
- Make peace: Forgive yourself and others, releasing any bondage.
Lessons from Asa’s Life
- Rest Comes from Trusting God
Asa’s reforms brought ten years of peace. His reliance on God led to prosperity and victory.
“The Lord gave them rest on every side.” – 2 Chronicles 15:15 (NKJV)
When we fully trust God, we experience His rest. Are you trusting Him with your battles, or are you trying to fight them alone?
- Finish Your Race Well
Asa started strong but stumbled toward the end. This is a warning for us. We must run the race with endurance:
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
- Don’t Rely on Human Strength
God wants us to lean on Him, not on the world. When we trust in Him, He breaks chains and opens doors we never imagined.
A Call to Reformation
King Asa’s story reminds us that we are called to reform our lives, not just once, but continually. As we re-imagine what God can do, let’s commit to:
- Seeking Him with all our hearts.
- Removing anything that distracts us from His presence.
- Trusting His plans over our own understanding.
- Renewing our minds daily through His Word.
Practical Steps for Rest and Reformation
- Examine Your Heart: Ask yourself if you are fully committed to God or holding back.
- Seek His Guidance: Pray daily and listen for His direction.
- Trust His Timing: Don’t rush to fix things with worldly solutions. Wait on the Lord.
- Make a Covenant with God: Like Asa, dedicate your life fully to Him.
- Renew Your Mind: Spend time in His Word to align your thoughts with His will.
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God’s Promise of Rest
As we surrender to God, He promises to give us rest. Just as Asa experienced peace when he trusted God, we too can find rest on every side when we put Him first.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
Call to Action
This week, take time to reflect on areas of your life that need reformation. Are there habits, attitudes, or distractions you need to surrender to God?
Make the choice to trust Him fully and renew your mind daily. Let’s commit as a church family to seek God wholeheartedly. Only then can we experience the rest that comes from reformation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for calling us into a deeper relationship with You. Teach us to trust You fully, to renew our minds, and to live lives of complete surrender. Reform our hearts so we can walk in Your peace and rest.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
