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Be Strong and Courageous - 2 Chron 32:7
Be Strong and Courageous - 2 Chron 32:7
The powerful army of the Syrians was invading the whole of the land. As they blazed a trail through the northern countryside, leaving burned out cities and lands, Hezekiah knew they would also attack Jerusalem. God's advice: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him." (2 Chronicles 32:7)
God had often given this advice to His people: Deut. 31:6, 7, 23; Josh. 1:6, 9, 18; 10:25; 1 Chron. 22:13; 28:20. The courage comes NOT from one's own strength or ability, but because the LORD is with Him. No matter who the foe, 'the one with us is greater than the one with him". Verse 8 continues: "With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
In Hezekiah's day, we see this played out in the defeat of the Assyrian. They did attack Jerusalem. Hezekiah was 'shut in like a bird in a cage'. Yet, God prevailed. Assyria left and Jerusalem continued.
In the coming days this advice may be of supreme importance to us as God's people. What if we are persecuted for our faith? What if the government denies us the freedom of our religion? Be strong and courageous! Such attacks on the people of God have as their ultimate source our eternal enemy, Satan.
Peter instructs us: "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." (1 Peter 5:8–10)
Jesus instructed us: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
John assures us: "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
In troubled times, let us sing, remember, and believe the third verse of "This Is My Father's World":
This is my Father's world,
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft' so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world,
The battle we must trod;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
The kingdom turns back to God.
Amen
Will your faith stand the test?
Hugh DeLong
