Rely on the Lord First

Asa’s story teaches us that the Lord can strengthen those who feel like they have no power.

Scripture:
“Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power.”
—2 Chronicles 14:11

Devotional Thought:
Asa was facing a battle he could not win on his own.

A massive army came against Judah, and from a worldly point of view, Asa had every reason to panic. He could have trusted only in soldiers, weapons, walls, or military strategy. But instead, Asa cried unto the Lord.

His prayer is powerful:

“Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power.”

In other words: Lord, You do not need us to be stronger than the enemy in order to save us.

That is a message every teenager needs.

Sometimes you may feel like you do not have enough power.

Not enough confidence.
Not enough courage.
Not enough testimony.
Not enough self-control.
Not enough emotional strength.
Not enough answers.
Not enough faith.

But the Lord can help “them that have no power.”

Jesus Christ does not wait until you feel strong before He helps you. He strengthens you as you turn to Him. He can give courage when you feel afraid, peace when you feel anxious, forgiveness when you need to repent, and strength when you feel like you cannot overcome something alone.

But Asa’s story also includes a warning.

Later in his life, Asa stopped relying on the Lord the way he had before. When another threat came, he relied on worldly strength instead of turning first to God.

That can happen to us too.

We may trust God during a spiritual experience, a youth activity, a testimony meeting, or a hard moment. But then later, when pressure increases, we start relying on other things first — popularity, control, distractions, social media, friends, appearance, or our own strength.

Asa teaches us that trusting God is not something we choose only once.

We have to keep choosing to rely on Him.

When life feels hard, ask yourself: Where do I turn first?

Do I turn first to worry?
Do I turn first to my phone?
Do I turn first to what others think?
Do I turn first to trying to control everything?
Or do I turn first to Jesus Christ?

The Lord is strong enough for the battles you cannot win alone.

Quote:
President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe.”

Reflection:
What do I usually rely on first when I feel stressed, afraid, tempted, or overwhelmed?

Today’s Challenge:
Choose one situation where you need the Savior’s strength. Before turning to distraction, worry, control, or your own strength, pause and pray. Tell Heavenly Father honestly where you feel weak, and ask Jesus Christ to help you rely on Him first.

Get the full 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30 Come Follow Me for Teens Study & Teaching Guide at joshdowns.com/cfm-resources.