It is not always easy to ask for help. It has been said that “our culture sees asking for help as a sign of weakness, but it's not. It's a sign of strength.”[1] The caveat to this is that we need to be sure we ask the right “person” for help. The Israelites faced many battles, but they were only successful when they asked the Lord for help reflecting their trust in Him.
In 1 Chronicles 5:20, the author is describing the exploits of the family of Gad, many of which would be involved with war. Like many other times in the nation’s history, the author describes their great military victory. However, the victory is not attributed to themselves, but rather to the Lord. This is a pattern throughout the Old Testament where the nation’s success was not based on the size of its army but on their trust in the Lord.[2]
“Their help came from God Himself in answer to their prayers. The people fielded an army of more than 44,000 men, but ultimately it was God who brought success.”[3]
While we may not have to fight in a literal battle, we all struggle with difficulties in this life. When we do, we need to be sure that we are seeking the Lord’s help reflecting our trust in Him.
“In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.” (Psalm 22:4-5)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1997/january/2202.html. Accessed February 2023. [2] See Judges 7-8; 2 Chronicles 2:20. [3] The Nelson Study Bible, pg. 669.