A Legitimate Question

Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?"

2 Chronicles 25:9 (NIV)

We all have said it. We’ve all have thought it. We all have emoted it when we’re about to take that necessary next step in life, whatever it may require. It is this question: “But what about all that I’ve lost?”

This was the question that young King Amaziah of Judah asked the man of God concerning all the silver he had sent to Israel to buy the services of mercenaries in order to strengthen his army. His plan to hire men from Israel seemed like a good idea until a man of God showed up and told Amaziah not to accept any assistance from Israel. Why? Because Israel’s spirituality at the time was so fragile that it would create access points in the hedge of protection that God would form securely around Judah.

Amaziah’s response was to be instantly obedient. He did not waiver, not one bit. He understood the consequences of not obeying God and the corresponding threat that would come with spiritual disobedience, guaranteeing their sure defeat in battle.

But he does ask a relevant question. He asks the man of God, “What about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” In other words, “What should I do about the money that I’m going to lose?”

Let’s be honest. It was an important question. None of us want to feel like we’ve lost precious time or resources to meaningless connections or experiences. None of us like feeling vulnerable or open to attack. It’s a draining feeling that unearths personal regret. It can release an onslaught of anger and rage. It gives that arrogant voice of failure way too much proximity.

I don’t like to think about what I’ve lost in life by chasing ventures that never went anywhere, trusting people that weren’t worth my time, paying attention to things that weren’t worth paying attention to, or languishing around thoughts that should never have been permitted to persist. To feel like I’ve lost anything smells of failure. Can you relate?

We wonder, “Will certain opportunities ever come back? Have I just given away what I can never recapture? Will I ever get it back?” These questions are real and legitimate. The response that the man of God gives can encourage all of us who have experienced significant loss:

“The Lord is able to give you much more than you’ve lost.”

Don’t allow yourself to be stuck pondering your losses. Instead, stand squarely and securely on the promise that your God is able to give you much more than you have lost—or will ever lose.