Two Paths: Trusting in Man or Trusting in God

Dearly Beloved, 

Day 161: Chronological Bible in One Year Devotion:

Today’s readings draw a sharp contrast between kings who relied on human strength and a prophet who trusted fully in God.

King Asa, once a man of revival, falters in 2 Chronicles 16 and 1 Kings 15:16-24. When faced with conflict, he chose to seek help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than from the Lord. Though his strategy worked politically, it displeased God. Hanani the seer rebuked Asa for forgetting God’s past deliverances and warned him that relying on man instead of God would bring defeat. Asa's hardened response and illness until death reveal that spiritual decline begins when we stop trusting God and ignore correction.

In contrast, 2 Chronicles 17 introduces Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son. Unlike his father in later years, Jehoshaphat walked in obedience, removed idols, and sent teachers to spread God's law throughout Judah. As a result, the fear of the Lord fell on surrounding nations, and Judah enjoyed peace. His reign shows how obedience and reverence for God's Word bring divine favor and national stability.

Meanwhile, 1 Kings 16 presents a dark picture of Israel’s northern kingdom, filled with evil kings like Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri. Each turned further from God, culminating in Ahab, who married Jezebel and introduced widespread Baal worship. This rapid moral decay reveals how unchecked sin in leadership can corrupt an entire nation.

Into this spiritual darkness steps Elijah the Tishbite in 1 Kings 17:1-7. He boldly declares a drought, confronting Ahab's wickedness. Then, God sends him to a brook, where he is miraculously sustained by ravens. Elijah’s story begins with radical faith and divine provision, reminding us that God always raises a voice to stand for Him, even in the darkest times.

The paths are clear: Asa's latter years show the danger of drifting from dependence on God. Jehoshaphat models faithful leadership. Elijah shows us the power of a surrendered life. The question for us is: Which path will we take?

Prayer: Lord, help me trust in You alone, not in human strength. Keep my heart faithful and responsive to Your Word. Raise in me a spirit like Elijah’s—bold, obedient, and fully dependent on You. Teach me to walk in humility and courage, drawing strength from Your presence daily. In Jesus' name, Amen.