Read: 2 Kings 18 & 19"Woe to those who go down to Egypt (the world) for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord." - Isaiah 31:1
Judah crowned Hezekiah as king soon after the Assyrians took the northern tribes of Israel captive. Although very young, Hezekiah exhibited a strong desire to do right in the eyes of God. The weight of his responsibility as king, taxed his faith, however. He realized that the safety of his entire kingdom rested upon his slight shoulders. In order to prevent Assyria from taking Judah as well as Israel, Hezekiah's youthful inexperience caused him to make an coalition with Egypt.
Judah crowned Hezekiah as king soon after the Assyrians took the northern tribes of Israel captive. Although very young, Hezekiah exhibited a strong desire to do right in the eyes of God. The weight of his responsibility as king, taxed his faith, however. He realized that the safety of his entire kingdom rested upon his slight shoulders. In order to prevent Assyria from taking Judah as well as Israel, Hezekiah's youthful inexperience caused him to make an coalition with Egypt.
We make this same mistake today. We believe God for the things we take for granted, but we look for a Plan B when faced with the overwhelming trials in life. As with Hezekiah, sometimes it is easier for us to trust in what we can see, rather than in God whom we cannot see.
In the end, Hezekiah confirmed his full assurance in God. He stated, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). The epitaph written about him at the end of his days, substantiates the fact that there was no one like Hezekiah among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him (2 Kings 18:5).
God caused all things to work out for Hezekiah’s good. As we submit to the Holy Spirit and walk with the assurance of God’s Word, we can face whatever life throws at us with this same confidence. We walk victoriously, no matter what negative circumstances come our way. With Jesus as the center of our focus, we will see a positive outcome to every situation.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when Satan harasses me in order to cause me to doubt Your provision and protection or to curse Your name, keep me under the shadow of Your wings and give me Your faith as I weather each storm. In the end, Hezekiah confirmed his full assurance in God. He stated, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). The epitaph written about him at the end of his days, substantiates the fact that there was no one like Hezekiah among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him (2 Kings 18:5).
God caused all things to work out for Hezekiah’s good. As we submit to the Holy Spirit and walk with the assurance of God’s Word, we can face whatever life throws at us with this same confidence. We walk victoriously, no matter what negative circumstances come our way. With Jesus as the center of our focus, we will see a positive outcome to every situation.
Prayer:
Thought for the Day:
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
