How can we trust God when facing overwhelming opposition like Hezekiah did? Facing the Fortress of Assyria “Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced and arrived at Jerusalem, where they positioned themselves by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.” (2 Kings 18:17) • Jerusalem looks hopelessly undersized. • Three Assyrian officials—each name dripping with intimidation—stand in for the most feared empire on earth. • Hezekiah sees walls shaking, resources dwindling, and morale plummeting. Hezekiah’s First Move: Shifting His Gaze “When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 19:1) • He does not rally troops first; he seeks God. • Tearing clothes shows honest grief, not faithlessness—God welcomes transparent lament (Psalm 62:8). • Sackcloth signals humble dependence (James 4:10). Principle 1: Identify the Real Enemy • The Assyrians are loud, but the ultimate battle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). • “Do not be afraid or discouraged…for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7) • Fear loses strength once we see who truly stands behind the threats. Principle 2: Return to Scripture, Not Speculation • Isaiah the prophet brings God’s word: “Do not be afraid of the words you have heard.” (2 Kings 19:6) • God’s promises expose lies; Assyria’s boasts meet the unchanging voice of the LORD (Psalm 119:89). • Trust grows by rehearsing what God has already said (Romans 10:17). Principle 3: Lay It All Out Before the Lord “Hezekiah spread it out before the LORD.” (2 Kings 19:14) • He literally unrolls the threatening letter; we figuratively unroll doctor reports, bills, accusations. • Philippians 4:6–7 turns anxiety into petition and petition into peace. Principle 4: Anchor in God’s Character, Not Circumstances • Hezekiah prays, “You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.” (2 Kings 19:15) • Note his order: exalts God first, presents problem second. • Psalm 46:1–2 echoes the same anchor—“God is our refuge…therefore we will not fear.” Principle 5: Receive God’s Word of Assurance “Thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city…For I will defend this city to save it.’” (2 Kings 19:32–34) • God answers specifically; He is not vague when His honor is at stake. • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?”—is the New-Covenant echo. Principle 6: Stand Still and Watch God Act “Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians.” (2 Kings 19:35) • No sword lifted in Jerusalem; God fights while His people watch (Exodus 14:13–14). • Opposing voices cease when God moves; trust is vindicated. Living It Today • Call the opposition what it is—real, but not ultimate. • Run first to the throne room, not the war room. • Saturate your mind with Scripture until God’s voice drowns the enemy’s. • Spread every intimidating detail before Him—names, numbers, deadlines. • Focus prayers on God’s sovereignty, not your adequacy. • Wait in expectancy; His deliverance may surprise, but it never fails. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3) — the same posture that carried Hezekiah still carries us. |
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