What If
2 Chronicles 7:12–14 is central to the message of Chronicles and one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament. It offers hope to those who seek God, have faced His judgment, or made poor life choices, highlighting God’s desire for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation.
In this passage, God responds to Solomon, promising that if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear them, forgive their sins, and heal their land. Verse 14 is particularly powerful, beginning with the word “if,” which emphasizes the power of choice and the potential for change in our lives.
This passage challenges us to consider the “what ifs” in our own lives: What if we seek God more earnestly? What if we turn from our mistakes? It presents a key spiritual principle for a successful Christian life.
The gift of choice
“Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” This illustrates the principle of partnership between humans and God. Solomon took active steps to establish his kingdom—that was his part—while God elevated him to greatness—that was God’s part.
This partnership emphasizes that we should do what we are capable of “established himself”, recognizing that there are things only God can accomplish. Relying solely on God without taking action ourselves is neither biblical nor wise. God grants us free will and the power to choose, act, and create. When we fulfill our responsibilities and trust God to do His work, we receive rewards, and God receives the honor and praise.
The sovereignty of God
“And the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” This verse highlights God’s sovereignty—He acts according to His will, plans, and timing, without needing our permission. God can and will do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, because He is God.
There are moments in our lives where we see God’s sovereignty at work through divine intervention, for which we are eternally grateful. However, God did not create us to be passive; He gave us brains to think, bodies to act, and lives to shape our potential. While He is sovereign, He also gave us the power of choice.
When God asked Solomon what he wanted to be a successful king, Solomon didn’t ask God to do everything for him; he asked for wisdom to make the right choices. Early church fathers, like Justin Martyr and Clement, emphasized that our actions, choices, and the resulting consequences reflect our responsibility, not fate. We yield our choices to God’s will, inviting His blessing through our actions.
Wedged between the When and the Then is an IF
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” The word “if” is crucial—it bridges the gap between calamity (when) and peace (then). It places the responsibility of action on us.
We often think, “I can’t do anything, only God can,” but that’s not biblical. God gives us the power of choice, and our “if” can lead to breakthrough. The responsibility for change lies in our response: If we humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from sin, then God will respond with forgiveness and healing.
Living connected to God as His children, seeking His perspective, presence, and purpose, is key. Humility is essential—it’s how we rise in God’s kingdom. Prayer shows our dependence on Him, and hunger for His presence drives us closer to Him. Repentance is crucial, as it’s a course correction, turning from wrong to right. This should be a lifestyle for believers, as Charles Spurgeon said, “Christians repent until the day they die.”
Consider how your approach to life, family, and others is working for you—are you responding to God’s call?