Facing battle with the king of Assyria and his mighty army, the people of Judah trusted the Lord; King Hezekiah did not retreat in fear or tremble in anxiety because of what was before them. Hezekiah gathered the people together, made preparations for battle, and encouraged them in the power of the Lord. “Be 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. 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 took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah (2 Chronicles 32.7-8).
We too can feel overwhelmed with the situations of our lives, distressed with certain happenings, perplexed with the events of the world, and weak in the midst of daily pressures. However, in all this, may we remember the gracious working of our Lord. He has not forgotten us as His own; He will not abandon us; He will not neglect to fulfill all His good promises to us. In every circumstance of our lives we may be tempted to doubt, to focus on our weakness, to wonder about our ability to endure, and to be consumed with that which we have no control. We must hold tightly to the truths of our Lord and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ within us. Daily we face battles within ourselves and with the enemy. We do not have to lose; we do not have to be defeated; we do not have to be overcome. Our Lord is able to give us victory and lead us triumphantly. Regardless of what is happening in our lives, we are able to walk in the victorious work of Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Though the battles are miserable, and our bodies and minds grow tired, may we cling to what is true; may we claim the words of Hezekiah, Be strong and courageous, trusting our Savior. He is able to keep us from defeat in any battle or circumstance; He is able to lead us successfully to victory.
Confident in our Lord – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 