King Asa’s life is encouraging to us. He’s encouraging to everyone who wants to be used by God in these last days. It’s amazing to me how God wants to use us! He wants to work in and through our lives to reach many with the Gospel of His love.
He didn’t get everything right, but who does? None of us has a perfect track record. God saw in him a deep loyalty and commitment that he is looking for in us. I love how God can see our hearts and know where our dedication and loyalties lie. Even though outwardly we fail inwardly, our hearts yearn for a deeper devotion to Him.
In 2 Chronicles 16:9, we are given that reminder: “For 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.” Asa was one of those men. The good news is that for anyone who wants to be used by God, their life provides us with critical lessons to learn from.
Asa started strong. The Bible says, “He did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). He didn’t just go through the motions. His devotion to God was revealed in what he prioritized, in how he led, and in the direction he pointed others. That’s where spiritual usefulness always begins, not with charisma or gifting but with an outward devotion that’s obvious. That kind of heart will always bear fruit day in and day out.
But Asa didn’t stop there. He dealt directly with the sin in the land. The idols, the altars, and the practices that didn’t belong among God’s people were removed under his leadership. There would be many attempts at spiritual cleansing, and King Asa began the process. It’s not easy to do that. But spiritual influence requires the depth of courage King Asa displayed. You can’t hold on to what’s defiling you and ask God to bless you at the same time. When sin is known, it needs to be dealt with. Asa modeled that. We are wise when we deal with known sins as well.
King Asa also used the peaceful seasons to build. The cities were fortified while peace ruled the land. The people were strengthened. Asa didn’t wait for trouble to strike; instead, he used the calm seasons to prepare. That’s a good reminder for us. Sometimes, peace means we can pause spiritually and rest. But maybe God gives us rest so we can grow, deepen, and reinforce what matters most.
When trouble did come, Asa turned to God. His prayer in 2 Chronicles 14:11 still encourages today: “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.” That’s what depending on God looks like. We not only believe in Him, but we lean heavily into Him with our whole lives. Especially when we’re up against something we can’t fix.
Later in life, Asa started relying more on people than on the Lord. That part of his story is hard to read. But it’s honest. Even strong believers can grow self-reliant. Even godly men can resist correction. That’s why we need to finish well. We need to stay soft toward God, even after decades of walking with Him. Past faith doesn’t replace present trust.
Asa’s story reminds us that God uses real people. He uses those who are devoted, those who deal with sin, those who build when they should, those who cry out when they must, and those who keep seeking God until the end. That’s not reserved for someone else. That’s something God wants for you, too. His eyes are still looking for those whose hearts are fully His.
Today’s the right time to start fresh. Or return. Or keep going. He’s asking for your heart.
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