Lesson 2

People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided

Divided Kingdom:
Rehoboam and Jeroboam
1 Kings 11–14; 2 Chronicles 10–12

Lesson Questions
First Day: Read Lesson 1 Notes.
The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.

1. How did the notes help you recognize God’s activity in your life this week?

2. What from the lecture helped you understand and value God’s sovereign control over history
and your life?

Second Day: Read 1 Kings 11.

Solomon ignored God’s warnings and brought God’s judgment upon his kingdom.

3. a. In what specific ways did Solomon ignore God’s warnings?

© BSF 2022 (This material may be downloaded from mybsf.org and used by BSF class members in connection Lesson 2 | 33
with their personal BSF class studies. It may not be otherwise reproduced without BSF’s written permission.)
 b. Why were these compromises so serious, and what were the results?

4. What prophecy was given to Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant?

5. How might you be tolerating compromise in your life that is drawing your affection away from
God?

Third Day: Read 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10.

Solomon’s son Rehoboam alienated the Israelites, and his kingdom was divided.

6. a. In what specific ways did Rehoboam exercise poor discernment and leadership?

b. How do you see both the consequences of his choices and God’s sovereign plan at work?

c. In what way has God used the consequences of your poor choices or sin in a redemptive way
in your life?

7. a. How were Israel’s tribes divided as Rehoboam’s kingdom split into two separate kingdoms?

b. Why is this division significant in Israel’s history and God’s redemptive plan (see Genesis
49:10 and Matthew 1:2-16)?

34 | Lesson 2
Fourth Day: Read 1 Kings 12:25–14:20.
Jeroboam led Israel into flagrant idolatry, spurned God’s prophets, and awaited destruction.

8. a. What did Jeroboam fear?

b. Identify what you most fear. How might this fear be influencing your decisions?

c. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and 1 John 4:18. How do these verses encourage you?

9. Describe the multiple ways Jeroboam defiled the purity of worship God intended for His people.

10. a. Tell about Jeroboam’s two encounters with prophets in 1 Kings 13–14.

b. In what ways do these incidents reveal both Jeroboam’s continued resistance and God’s mercy
to him?

11. How have you experienced God’s merciful persistence to call you to Himself ?

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 Fifth Day: Read 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5–12:16.
Judah sinned against God and was attacked by Egypt.

12. In what ways do you see both faithfulness and compromise within Rehoboam’s kingdom?

13. How did God use the attack from Egypt in Rehoboam’s life?

14. How would you summarize Rehoboam’s reign as king?

Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 11–14 and 2 Chronicles 10–12.

Rejecting God and choosing sin brings bitter consequences.

15. What did you learn about God from these chapters? How can your group pray for you in light
of this truth?

No homiletics for Group and Administrative Leaders

36 | Lesson 2
Lecture Notes

Next step: Read Lesson Notes.

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 Lesson Notes
1 Kings 11–14; 2 Chronicles 10–12

Focus Verse
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
– 1 John 1:8-9

Outline
● Deterioration Within Solomon’s Kingdom – 1 Kings 11
● Division Into Two Kingdoms – 1 Kings 12:1-24; 2 Chronicles 10:1–12:12
● Decline in Both Kingdoms – 1 Kings 12:25–14:31; 2 Chronicles 12:13-16

Engage
How do you explain the downward spiral toward brokenness and destruction so often evident in
society, in individual lives, and even within our own hearts? Three key words in this week’s lesson
paint a dismal picture: deterioration, division, and decline. Israel’s story reveals the long-term and
short-term impacts of rejecting God. Sin so corrupts people’s hearts and appetites that they
willingly choose a destructive path, often ignoring God’s calls to repentance and restoration.
God certainly wants better than this for us. The reality of the ruin faced by those who reject God
highlights the only hope for humanity and for us as individuals – seeking and following God.

God allows people to experience the folly of rejecting Him. The sad course of Israel’s history offers a
stark warning as well as a resounding call to find refuge and hope in God alone. When we surrender
to God, He uses even sin’s consequences for our good. As humans, we experience both external
pressure in the world and a very real internal battle with our own sinful desires. Rejecting God and
choosing sin brings bitter consequences. Only when we seek God can we truly flourish in this life.
Will you approach this lesson prepared to recognize sin’s traps and walk with God wholeheartedly?

Deterioration Within Solomon’s Kingdom –

1 Kings 11
Solomon’s Failures – 11:1-13
God greatly gifted Solomon with wisdom and wealth. Despite God’s grace, Solomon committed
tragic sin by turning toward worldliness and away from God. Old Testament Law specifically

38 | Lesson 2
forbade kings from multiple marriages and accumulating gold and silver.1 Despite God’s direct
warning, Solomon intermarried with women from many nations, including Pharoah’s daughter. He
built high places to accommodate the idolatry of his 700 wives and 300 concubines and joined them
in worship. This idol worship went beyond merely bowing down before images and involved many
sinful practices. Solomon’s compromises reaped tragic results.

Solomon faced severe judgment because he ignored God’s commands. God announced that
Solomon’s kingdom would be torn away from him, but not during his lifetime for the sake of David
and Jerusalem. Ten of Israel’s twelve tribes would be ripped away from Solomon’s son. Solomon’s
bitter punishment serves as a warning that God is the only source of true wisdom and what He has
decreed is certain. He alone is worthy of worship.

God actively pursued a relationship with Solomon. God appeared to him twice and showered
Solomon with abundant blessings.2 Unheeded warnings and disobedience brought God’s just
punishment. God speaks to us through His Word. He lovingly warns us and openly reveals His
commands for our lives. Those who turn away from God and disobey His commands are subject
to sin’s consequences – even today. Sometimes those consequences are long-term and only surface
down the road, impacting generations to come.

Solomon’s Foes – 11:14-40

Enemies Without – 11:14-25

God raised up external adversaries against Solomon. Hadad was from Edom, a longtime enemy of
Israel and a nation descended from Esau.3 When he was a young boy, Hadad’s father and all of Edom’s
men were struck down by David’s commander Joab.4 Hadad had escaped to Egypt and was taken in
by Pharoah, who provided for his every need. The ancient hostility between Israel and Edom still
churned in Hadad’s heart. When he heard that David and Joab had died, Hadad requested Pharaoh’s
permission to return to his home country to oppose Solomon.

God raised up another enemy against Solomon – Rezon from Zobah. Rezon led a band of rebels
to Damascus. Solomon regained control but was unable to drive these enemies out of the territory.
Rezon remained an adversary as long as Solomon lived. God disciplined Solomon through the
enemies He raised against him.

Enemies Within – 11:26-40

God also raised up an adversary within Solomon’s own kingdom. As a young man, Jeroboam had
demonstrated faithfulness in his work and was promoted to oversee labor forces. The prophet Ahijah
met Jeroboam while he was traveling in the country and revealed God’s plan with a visual display. The
prophet tore his cloak into 12 pieces, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. He gave 10 of the pieces to
Jeroboam to signify the 10 tribes over which he would rule. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin
would remain with Solomon’s kingdom, while all others would follow Jeroboam. In response to his
sin and according to God’s Word, Solomon’s kingdom would be split apart from within.

1: God’s Law: Deuteronomy 17:14-20

2: God appeared to Solomon: 1 Kings 3:4-15; 9:2-9; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12; 7:11-22
3: Esau: Genesis 25:19-34; 36
4: Defeat of Edom: 2 Samuel 8:13-14; 1 Chronicles 18:12-13; Psalm 60

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 Divine prophecy declared Jeroboam’s rise to power, but God also offered him an opportunity
to turn to Him in faith and obedience. Jeroboam received a conditional promise similar to the
unconditional promise received by David.5 If Jeroboam remained faithful, God would bless him
and establish his kingdom. Ahijah’s prophecy came to pass, just as he declared. Everything God
promises is absolutely certain. God upholds the truth of His Word in every way and throughout
all time. Unfortunately, Jeroboam had little regard for God or His call to faithfulness. Despite clear
evidence of God’s power and purposes, Jeroboam rejected God and sought his own way.

Solomon’s Finale – 11:41-43

Scripture remains silent about the remainder of Solomon’s life. Solomon died and received an
honorable burial. His son Rehoboam succeeded him as king. Solomon’s reign began with his fire
for the Lord but ended with hardly a flicker among forsaken embers. The vast wisdom, wealth, and
influence given to the world’s well-known king faded when Solomon turned his heart away from
the Lord. Was Solomon’s rejection of God a deliberate decision or a series of seemingly small steps
of compromise and disobedience? As Solomon continually ignored God’s commands, his heart
grew cold. The series of bad decisions he made brought escalating damage. Human choices matter.

Despite Solomon’s failures, God remained steadfast and true to His character and promises.
God did not move; Solomon did. A life that promised great hope and immense blessing ended in
tragedy. Solomon allowed the comforts of this life to rule his heart rather than God, who is the
source of every blessing.

Division Into Two Kingdoms – 1 Kings

12:1-24; 2 Chronicles 10:1–12:12
Understanding Israel’s divided kingdom provides perspective for our lives today. As we study this
time period, we will hear God speak through the prophets and see prophecy fulfilled. We will also
see that God remains present among His people and fulfills His promises even through challenging
times. Israel’s history demonstrates that God blesses those who live obedient and faithful lives

5: God’s promise to David: 2 Samuel 7:4-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15

Helpful Hints
Keeping track of the many kings in these two kingdoms can be challenging. The Succession of
Prophets and Kings chart, the timeline, and the map provided in your study resources will prove
to be helpful throughout this study. In addition, some find it helpful to underline the names of
the northern and southern kings in two separate colors. As you study, also consider the context of
the word “Israel” to determine whether the author refers to the entire nation or to the northern
kingdom alone.

40 | Lesson 2
in relationship with Him. We also witness the tragic consequences of rebelling against Him. God’s
blessings are not measured by physical prosperity and material comfort, but by the daily benefits of a
right relationship with Him. Walking humbly with God was key for the people of Israel and remains
essential for all people throughout time. God’s unchangeable character is on display as He interacts
with His people in Israel and Judah.

Rehoboam’s Obstinance – 1 Kings 12:1-24; 2 Chronicles

10:1–12:12
God faithfully kept His promise to David. His grandson, Rehoboam, succeeded Solomon on
the throne. All of Israel gathered at Shechem for the coronation. During the festivities, the people
asked their new king to ease the heavy taxes and labor constrictions placed upon them. In arrogance,
Rehoboam sent them away. He consulted with the elders of the kingdom, who wisely urged him to
grant the people’s request. Rehoboam promptly rejected their advice. He willfully sought the advice
of his peers – men who had grown up with him and currently served him. Rehoboam did not seek
God. He did not pray.

Rehoboam’s contemporaries recommended placing an even heavier burden on the people. He

ultimately heeded this unwise counsel and his obstinance bore devastating consequences for the
nation. Rehoboam’s pride and foolishness cost him greatly. As he addressed the kingdom with
intimidating and hostile words, the nation of Israel was torn apart. This turn of events fulfilled the
Lord’s prophecy spoken through Ahijah.

Rehoboam made yet another unwise decision and sent out Adoniram, his foreman over forced labor,
to deal with the rebellion. With no respect for Rehoboam or his rule, the rebels stoned Adoniram
to death. Rehoboam barely escaped to Jerusalem in his chariot. Still fighting God’s decreed plan, this
unwise king mustered up 180,000 fighting men to fight a war to regain the kingdom. God sent word
to Rehoboam through Shemaiah, “This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your
brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing” (1 Kings 12:24). God’s will
always prevails. The people obeyed God and left for home. As prophesied, the nation was torn in two.

The kingdom of Judah gained strength during Rehoboam’s reign. He fortified cities in Judah and
established military defenses. The Levites, who had been rejected as priests in Jeroboam’s kingdom,
fled to Judah. The people from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on following the Lord
followed the Levites to Jerusalem, the capital city of the kingdom of Judah. Their influence initially
strengthened both Judah and Rehoboam.

However, Rehoboam turned away from God’s law and led the people astray. Unfaithfulness to God
results in ruin. Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Judah and captured the fortified cities. The prophet
Shemaiah returned with words of retribution from God. Recognizing God’s punishment as just, the
leaders and the king humbled themselves before God, who spared them. However, they remained
subject to Shishak for a period of time.

Jeroboam’s Opportunity – 1 Kings 12:20

Jeroboam seized the political opportunity before him. The Israelites rejected Rehoboam, killed
his messenger, and declared Jeroboam king. Jeroboam became king over Israel as God declared he

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 would. He rose to power without bloodshed or civil war. God’s Word always comes to pass. He is
trustworthy.

Solomon’s kingdom was divided in two. Just as Ahijah had declared, the 10 northern tribes were
torn from the kingdom. These 10 tribes retained the name “Israel” for the northern kingdom led by
Jeroboam. Judah and Benjamin, the remaining two tribes, combined into one southern kingdom
under the name “Judah” led by Rehoboam. God remained faithful to His Word and His promises
and preserved David’s dynasty. Some of Judah’s kings faithfully stood with God and upheld God’s
law and system of worship. However, apostasy ruled within the northern kingdom of Israel; not one
of the 19 kings did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

Judah (Southern Kingdom) Israel (Northern Kingdom)

First king Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) Jeroboam (Solomon’s servant)
No. of tribes 2 – Judah and Benjamin 10 – remaining tribes
Capital city Jerusalem (1 Kings 15:4) Shechem, later Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24)
Worship Temple in Jerusalem Golden calves in Bethel and Dan
Priests Levite priests (2 Chronicles 13:10) Idolatrous priests (2 Chronicles 13:9)
Dynasties Only one – David’s royal line Many different dynasties
Rulers Out of 20, 5 godly, 8 or 9 “good” All 19 led Israel into idolatry
Records 1 and 2 Kings; 2 Chronicles Most fully in 1 and 2 Kings
Captives to Babylon, 586 B.C.
Exile Captives to Assyria 722 B.C. (2 Kings 17)
(2 Kings 25)

Decline in Both Kingdoms – 1 Kings 12:25–

14:31; 2 Chronicles 12:13-16
Jeroboam’s Reign in Israel – 1 Kings 12:25–14:20

He Corrupted Worship – 12:25-33

The prophet Ahijah promised Jeroboam a kingdom and challenged Him to obey God.6 Sadly,
Jeroboam did just the opposite. He feared that the people would remain loyal to Rehoboam if they
returned to the Jerusalem temple to worship. Jeroboam acted on foolish advice and replayed Aaron’s
terrible example when he led the Israelites into idolatry in the wilderness.7 He even repeated Aaron’s
very words, “Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (1 Kings 12:28b). He
set up two golden calves – one at Bethel, the southern edge of his kingdom, and another at Dan, in
the north. Jeroboam desecrated the purity of worship that God intended for His people and
fashioned an idolatrous religious system suited to his liking and convenience. He appointed all
sorts of priests, initiated festivals on dates he chose, and offered sacrifices at Bethel. Because God
has ordained how He should be worshiped, this was a grave offense.8 Jeroboam likely sought to
legitimize the system of worship he set up, but nothing that departs from God is legitimate.

6: Jeroboam’s challenge: 1 Kings 11:29-39

7: Aaron’s golden calf: Exodus 32:1-6
8: Seriousness of idolatry: Exodus 20:1-6

42 | Lesson 2
He Ignored Prophets – 13:1–14:18
Two accounts of Jeroboam’s dealings with prophets further reveal God’s warnings that Jeroboam
avoided to his own peril.

The Man of God from Judah – 13:1-34

A nameless “man of God” from Judah confronted Jeroboam as he stood by the altar at Bethel to
brazenly offer a sacrifice. The prophet declared that Josiah, a king from David’s line, would sacrifice
pagan priests and burn their bones there. As a confirming sign, the altar split and ashes poured out.
As Jeroboam angrily ordered the man of God to be seized, his hand shriveled. In undeserved mercy,
Jeroboam’s hand was restored when the man of God prayed for him. Even in Jeroboam’s sinful
condition, God was merciful. This prophecy was fulfilled around 300 years later.9

In a strange and somewhat difficult to understand account, the man of God rightly refused
Jeroboam’s offer of hospitality. Perhaps he did not want, in any way, to legitimize Jeroboam’s temple
and altar, which were not authorized by God. However, the man of God later disregarded God’s
instructions and was tricked by an old prophet from Israel who was not a true representative of
God. The man of God was then killed by a lion as an act of God’s judgment because he allowed
himself to be deceived by this false prophet. While we cannot fully understand God’s purposes
in these puzzling events, His prophecy and promises remained absolute and true.10

The Prophet Ahijah– 14:1-18

God allowed Jeroboam yet another opportunity to turn to Him in a moment of desperate
need. When his son fell ill, Jeroboam asked his wife to disguise herself and go to Shiloh to seek a
prophetic word about the boy’s fate. He sent her to Ahijah, the very prophet who foretold his rise
to power and promised him success if he obeyed God. God alerted Ahijah that the woman was
coming, and he delivered devastating news to her. The son would die. Jeroboam’s kingdom would
be torn from his family. The evil he had committed against God was worse than anyone before him.
The prophet offered a gruesome description of the end of Jeroboam’s dynasty. The boy died as soon
as Jeroboam’s wife set foot in the house, just as Ahijah foretold. Jeroboam could have turned to
God, even as his judgment was declared.

Jeroboam Died – 14:19-20

These verses offer an unembellished summary of Jeroboam’s reign as Israel’s king. He served 22 years
and died. His son Nadab succeeded him. The damage to Israel’s spiritual life inflicted during
Jeroboam’s reign cannot be overstated. He wasted opportunities, shunned God’s grace, and led his
nation to reject God.

Rehoboam’s Reign in Judah – 1 Kings 14:21-31; 2 Chronicles

12:13-16
Rehoboam was a weak leader who failed to lead Judah to follow God wholeheartedly. Rejecting
God and choosing sin brings bitter consequences. The final words about Judah’s first king reveal
spiritual slippage with costly consequences. The people of Judah tolerated idolatry and stirred God’s

9: Prophecy fulfilled: 2 Kings 23:16

10: God’s mysterious ways: Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 55:8-9

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 The Downward Pull of Inward Rebelliousness Against God

The Doctrine of Sin: Its Character and Universality

People in today’s world highly value personal autonomy and believe they can make their own
life choices without accountability. What is right or wrong, true or a lie has become a moving
target for most people. However, without clear boundaries, chaos and confusion abound. Who
has the ultimate right to declare what is good and what is bad? Only God, the Creator, knows
all and evaluates everything rightly. God stands apart from humanity in His absolute purity and
holiness. Therefore, everything we do, think, or say that opposes Him and His will is defined as
sin. Opposing God invites His justified wrath and causes untold harm to ourselves and others.11
Human history and personal experience confirm this is true.

Every human born since Adam and Eve’s fall into sin inherits a sinful nature.12 We sin because our
desires are corrupted – so ruined by sin that we cannot please God or satisfy His righteous standards
on our own.13 In our unredeemed state, we value our own pleasure more than God’s will. Our
minds and will are so ruined that we are without hope – left to ourselves. Our judgment becomes
distorted, and the choices we make take us nowhere that matters in the end. Understanding the
universal curse of sin elevates our need for God’s grace.

The gospel addresses both sin’s pervasive damage and the only source of rescue known to mankind.
In our sin, we deserve only God’s wrath. Christ bore sin’s curse for all who believe. God seeks to
restore us, but only on His terms and with a recognition of our absolute need of Him. He promises
to take us back into a full life with Him when we respond to Him in faith.14

Without understanding the universal and eternal damage caused by sin, no viable explanation
exists for the evil in the world. Even the internal wrestling between right and wrong within the
human heart cannot be explained. We will not turn to Christ for rescue if we do not comprehend
the personal and societal damage inflicted by sin. The truth about sin is bad news. But this must
be grasped before we can rightly understand the truth about God and the reality about ourselves
and the world.

Sin’s damage highlights the unfathomable reach of God’s grace. He persistently extends mercy to
people caught in sin’s death grip. Sin’s encroaching damage humbles us before the God we have
offended but who also offers our only hope. Wariness about vulnerability to sin leads believers
to moment-by-moment dependence on God. While we await eternal deliverance from sin’s
stranglehold, we can experience the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome temptation and sin.15 And
when we do sin, we can run to Him in confession and repentance.16 Our sin is great, but our God
is greater. Psalm 25:8-9 says, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his
ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Through the cross, His
mercy endures!

11: God’s wrath against sin: John 3:36; Romans 1:18-20; 2:5
12: Fall into sin: Genesis 3
13: Sin’s corruption: Psalm 14:1-4; 53:1-4; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-11; Ephesians 2:1-3; James 2:10
14: Salvation through Christ: John 10:10; Romans 6:11-23; Ephesians 2:4-5
15: Power over sin: Romans 6:11-14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 1:13-14
16: Confession and repentance: Romans 2:4; 1 John 1:8-10

44 | Lesson 2
righteous, jealous anger. Rehoboam’s enemies carried off the treasures of the Jerusalem temple and
royal palace, including Solomon’s gold shields. Rehoboam fashioned cheap bronze substitutes that
seem to symbolize his attempt to replace the lasting spiritual treasure lost during his reign. Conflict
with the northern tribe of Israel continued through his reign. Rehoboam died and was succeeded by
his son Abijah.

Take to Heart
Hold Fast
God extraordinarily gifted King Solomon to lead Israel, but Solomon failed because he ignored
God’s warnings and succumbed to sin. When Solomon died, Israel was in such spiritual disarray
that rising opposition led by Jeroboam split Israel into two kingdoms, which fulfilled prophecy.17
Solomon’s son Rehoboam led the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known as the kingdom
of Judah. Solomon’s servant Jeroboam led the northern 10 tribes, known as the kingdom of Israel.
Rehoboam faltered in leading Judah, the southern kingdom. He did not listen to the people and
ignored wise counsel. Jeroboam led the northern tribes of Israel into flagrant idolatry. The rejection
of God led to chaos for the kings and the nation.

The repeated failures and fleeting successes experienced by God’s people offer needed lessons for
us.18 God’s redemptive plan did not halt when Israel severed into two kingdoms. God continuously
offered unrelenting mercy and grace to the Israelites and their leaders, even through seasons
of corrective discipline. Isaiah, a prophet we will study later this year, recorded this message from
God: “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek
me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held
out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations”
(Isaiah 65:1-2). Bitter consequences come when we reject God and His ways, but blessings flow
when we surrender to Him, even amidst hardship.

Apply It
Most of Israel’s kings did not fully surrender to God. How do you measure your devotion to God?
Can you know if your passion for Him is wholehearted or half-hearted? Even when we desire to follow
God without reservation, an honest look at our hearts often reveals pockets of resistance. On this side
of heaven, will we ever worship and follow God with wholly pure motives and untainted devotion?
2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us that “… the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those
whose hearts are fully committed to Him. …” Reject self-reliance and self-rule. Cultivate a heart that
longs to know God. Listen for His voice as He speaks to you in prayer and through His Word. Run to
His outstretched hand when you falter. While we will never seek God perfectly until we get rid of
our sin nature and are with Jesus in glory, God faithfully seeks and purifies our wandering hearts.
Will you trust God to pursue you, and will you consider yourself His?

17: Prophecy of divided kingdom: 1 Kings 11:29-39

18: Learning from Israel: Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6-11

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 Throughout Israel’s history, a faithful minority trusted Him, while an unfaithful majority rejected
Him. That has not changed. Living for God in the midst of a world or a family where most reject
Him is challenging. What does it take to stand for God when it feels like you are standing alone?
God’s presence within the believer is stronger than anything and anyone that opposes Him.19 How
will you trust God to believe what is true and do what is right when His way seems harder than you
expected? As a believer, even when you feel alone, you are never alone. Standing with and for God
is always right. If you find yourself in a difficult place, confess your fears, cry out to God, and trust
Him for the strength you need to remain fully committed to Him.

Solomon squandered great opportunities. Every king of Israel and Judah had an opportunity to serve
God and lead the people to submit to Him. Every day, we face choices – opportunities from God to
stand for Him. What difference would it make if you viewed every conversation, relationship, and
challenge as a chance to see God at work? Our responses to seemingly small opportunities combine
to set the course of our lives. While eternity promises joy and great glory, God orchestrates our days
and seasons to develop our faith. He delivers His faithfulness in divinely measured and timely doses.
What is the hardest thing you face today? How has God woven a spiritual opportunity into that
challenge? What is the most joyous circumstance in your life right now? How can God’s character
shine through your blessing? Do not miss God’s opportunities for you by failing to seek Him in daily
decisions and for needed strength. This week, even this day, holds moments when you will either set
your heart on God or resist Him. Only God is worthy of your trust and wholehearted devotion.

19: Overcoming power: Romans 8:31-39; 1 John 4:4

46 | Lesson 2 All Scripture quotations, in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.