Ending in "defeet"

2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war."

King Asa had started out with a pure trust in the Lord and was rewarded by victory over his enemies.

Yet remarkably that victory didn't inspire more trust.

When Judah was attacked by Baasha of Israel, Asa took treasures from God's Temple and used them as a sweetener for the king of Aram to join forces with Judah and fight Israel.

He was victorious again, but had incurred the displeasure of God.

When God's messenger Hanani told him as much, Asa was so angry that he imprisoned the seer.

2 Chronicles 16:10 NLT

Asa became so angry with Hanani for saying this that he threw him into prison and put him in stocks. At that time Asa also began to oppress some of his people.

Asa wasn't responsive to the Lord's rebuke and for the rest of his reign trusted in man and not His God!

With that decline came oppression for his people. Bad decisions are not kept in a box, they bleed contamination into other areas.

2 Chronicles 16:12 NLT

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the LORD's help but turned only to his physicians.

How sad to start out so well but end up so poorly.

God forbid that I should tread such a sorry path.

Hear Paul's warning to the Galatians:

Galatians 5:7-8 NLT

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the Truth? [8] It certainly isn't God, for He is the One who called you to freedom.

Always ask the Lord FIRST, trust Him FIRST in every crucial decision in life.

God's Eyes are looking for wholehearted devotion.

Revelation 2:4 NLT

"But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!