“And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.”

2 Chronicles 32:8

All of us are human and have experienced times when life seems to be overwhelming. Maybe we find ourselves dealing with a wayward child and a negative health report. It could be a demanding job and a vehicle that needs repairs. It appears that everything crowds in on us at once. During these trying times, we need a word of encouragement.

To encourage means to empower, to give strength, to build up or edify.

It’s one thing to need a personal word of encouragement, but it’s a greater responsibility when we have others depending on us for strength.

Such was the case with Hezekiah, king of Judah. He found himself in a position where he needed to encourage a nation of people. Judah was facing a possible seize by a king with a robust army. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, was confident that he could overtake and conquer Judah with his military might.

Hezekiah prepared the nation for battle by doing all he knew how to do by natural means. He stopped up the water supply, built and fortified walls, make a massive supply of weapons, and strengthened himself.

 Even with this preparation, Hezekiah knew that physical prowess wasn’t sufficient to defend the nation against a mighty army. Subsequently, he decided to empower the people by giving them a word of encouragement. He reminded them that they didn’t have to fight using the arm of the flesh. He declared:  

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With 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 were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.”

My friend one reminder of the hope that we have in our omnipotent God is enough for us to be strong and courageous. Remember, you are a child of the Most High King; therefore, you don’t have to fight the battles you face. The battle is not yours, but God’s! He will fight on your behalf.

Relax and bask in these truths:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…”    2 Corinthians 10:4

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”    Isaiah 54:17

Pray…

Lord, thank You for being my Strength! Amen.

Posted by on Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 @ 8:54AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational