Preparation: A Study in 1 ChroniclesNäide

What does it say?

Tribes of Israel were faithful to God in a time of war but unfaithful after their victory. God raised up an Assyrian who conquered Israel and took them into captivity.

What does it mean?

Realizing that their best resources were weak and insufficient, Israel cried out to God and trusted in Him as they faced danger. But when life was settled after the victory, they had no great need to press them toward God. Their leaders led them into spiritual apathy and then idolatry. Their relationship with God as the priority in daily life became secondary to other things. Because of their unfaithfulness, God raised up a new enemy who conquered them and took them into captivity.

How should I respond?

God is our helper at all times. He makes it possible to experience peace, even when the life you planned and worked hard to attain changes or crumbles. Loss of a job or an ongoing illness brings the realization of just how weak and insufficient our resources really are. Circumstances sometimes push us to develop a more dedicated life of prayer and trust in God. But good times can also test your relationship with God. When life is going well, how will you continue to be faithful to God? I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.” Our faithfulness to God depends on it.