2 Chronicles 32:7
‘“Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the One with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.’
These are the words of Hezekiah to his people. What great words of faith. He has no doubt that God is on their side and will help them. The people believe him.
The Assyrian king was brutal in the way he treated those he conquered. The people of Israel had much to fear. Going up against a superior force. They are resisting him, so he threatens them more so.
The Israelites increase their weapons, fortify their walls and damn up the water so the Assyrians don’t have it. They aren’t just sitting in faith, but acting and being responsible.
We don’t have an enemy threatening war, but we have those who may oppose us. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount tells us how to behave. We are to love and show grace. We are to turn the other cheek.
I’m in a situation at work which is quite difficult. It’s an abusive majority. I’ve attempted to speak out, but it got worse. So, I have to go along. I’ve wrestled with unforgiveness. When bitterness creeps up I have to go through the forgiveness exercise again. I attempt to not think about it. I have to claim forgiveness by faith. I don’t feel it, but I claim it. I pray, “Lord, I forgive. Help my unforgiveness.” It’s tough, but God is with me.
We have other enemies. The devil and his demons. They throw temptations and doubting thoughts, angry thoughts. They tell us how unjustly we are treated. They are trying to wreck our faith. We are to be in God’s Word, fellowship and prayer. We are to stand firm in faith.
Another enemy is the world. Our culture doesn’t have faith. It has an antifaith. It is opposed to God. I see portions of government against faith, I see universities against faith, I see the media against faith, where groups form I see many against faith. We can’t fear the group or the world. We can’t fear what they think of us. Just as the Israelites increased their weapons and fortified their walls, we must be in God’s Word and have christian friends.
We are to march according to God’s cadence. The world has it’s allure and many follow it. The majority do. As we are in God’s Word and in a church we learn His cadence. We are to forgive and love. We do share His message. Some hear it, some don’t. We pray for them.
Thank You for Your great love, God. Thank You for Your team and that we are on it. It’s a better message. Far better. It’s healing and it blesses others. We are with You for the rest of eternity.