I have been up against some pretty big foes in the past. Whether physically, professionally, spiritually, mentally, or emotionally, those foes have been significantly daunting and overwhelming.
“1After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself.” 2 Chronicles 32:1 (ESV)
And you can see in just this one verse that I am/have not been alone. The people of Judah were under siege here and had every right to be concerned and afraid of the impending outcome. But the people had greatness on their side that they were in need of being reminded.
King Hezekiah did not just sit back and let God do all the work. He took action by cutting off the water that the Assyrians were relying on. Then he fortified the wall around the city and built an additional wall. And then he really went to work, by gathering the people together and gave them the reminder of God’s Love.
“6And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, ‘7Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.’” – 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 (ESV)
Hezekiah did not order the people to fight, he encouraged them. Hezekiah reminded the people that God was on their side and that no matter the foe, they would ultimately prevail as it was in God’s plan to do so. No fear to motivate, it was love that was used to motivate. The love and protection of the LORD our God.
I am so glad that God is there to “have my back” as I go into battle. There is no adversity that will not be overcome with His guidance and help. No, I may not always conquer, but I will always receive what is in the plan of God for me to receive. I only need to remember to be strong and know that God is there, on my side. He is and will always be there with His arms of protection around me. I may get nicked and injured from time to time, but I am ultimately protected from ultimate defeat, for God will not lose and with Him in my corner, I will not lose either.
When you are facing adversity, where is it that you turn for assistance? Do you know who is fighting on your behalf? What if you were to turn your eyes to God and be strong and know that He is with you?
Trevor's Thoughts 