Many years back I had an accident that busted my index finger open to the bone. I had painful surgery and therapy and it is usable now. However, the nerves in my finger were damaged. For months after my surgery, I couldn't feel anything with that finger. While no one wants to feel pain I realized quickly that not feeling pain could be dangerous. On more than one occasion I burned my finger while cooking. On many more occasions, my finger would get so cold at work, and I wouldn't realize it until I felt it with my other hand. Thankfully it was never bad enough to cause me to lose it. I know someone who had a similar issue and lost his finger by not feeling pain. Nobody likes feeling pain but it is wise to listen to and obey it. We also usually don't like being told what to do or not do. However, when the command comes from someone or something designed or led by God it is wise to hear and obey. Our text talks of a king who commanded his people in the wisdom of the Lord. It says, 2 Chronicles 14:4 NASB1995 and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to observe the law and the commandment.
The King was Asa. Because he sought the Lord, obeyed, and commanded his people to do the same he was blessed. Because his people listened, obeyed, and sought the Lord, they had a great victory and received many rewards. Before this however, they had to suffer the pain of giving up their idols. Does this mean when we listen and obey the Lord, it will always mean a great plunder and victory in our physical lives? The answer is no. However, great victory eternal is guaranteed when you obey God's word of Jesus as the only way to salvation.
Yet that is not the point of this devotional. The point is that not obeying God is like not feeling pain. You are heading toward loss and you might not even know it!
I have heard of people who had pain in an area. The doctors looked but couldn't find anything wrong to cause the pain. While looking, they found a life-threatening issue. Then, they corrected it with surgery, which caused more pain but saved their life. Just like this sometimes God's word leads you to temporary pain in order to save your life. No matter what listen to and be obedient to the commands brought by God. It might be painful at first but it will keep you from losing your life!
Love Bro. Scott