A Power Far Greater on Our Side
“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NLT
When the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, invaded Judah and besieged its fortified cities, King Hezekiah did not sit idly by, but neither did he rely solely on his military strategies. Instead of allowing panic and fear to paralyze the people, Hezekiah rose up as a true leader of faith to remind them on which side the true strength lay. As a church, in our daily walk we face threats that seem like giants: financial crises, medical diagnoses, conflicts in marriage, or social pressures that try to intimidate us. The enemy will always look for a way to make us believe that we are cornered and alone, using the tactic of fear to weaken our trust. However, this passage teaches us to change our focus, to take our eyes off the magnitude of the problem and place them on the unlimited power of our God, who always fights our battles.
- Make an effort and prepare in the natural Before encouraging the people, Hezekiah took practical measures: he fortified the walls, repaired the cracks, and made weapons. God expects us to do our earthly part with diligence and excellence, managing our resources well, caring for our family, and working hard. We do what is in our hands, trusting that God will do the supernatural that we cannot do.
- Reject fear and discouragement Fear is a trap that paralyzes our faith and robs us of our vision. Hezekiah ordered the people not to be afraid or discouraged in the face of the imminent threat. The enemy will always try to intimidate you by making a lot of noise, but you must remember that fear does not come from the Father. We have received a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to face any challenge.
- Acknowledge who your true support is The king of Assyria had an immense army, but Hezekiah knew they were only men of flesh and blood. Sometimes we magnify our problems and minimize God. We must remember daily that the Lord is our ally and that His power is infinitely greater than any crisis in this world. Our security is not in the economy or in men, but in the Creator of the universe.
- Let God fight your battles We do not have to face the struggles of life alone or with our own limited strength. When we surrender control to Jesus Christ and trust fully in Him, the Lord Himself takes up our defense. There are victories that are not achieved by arguing or fighting humanly, but on our knees in prayer, letting the God of heaven’s armies act on our behalf.
- Use your words to infuse encouragement Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. A true leader uses their mouth to build up and give hope to others. In difficult times, your family, your disciples, and your coworkers need to hear words full of faith and trust in God, not complaints or defeatism. Your words have the power to change the atmosphere of your home.
Our life on this earth will always have battlefronts, but the difference lies in who we are fighting with. No matter how threatening the economic crisis, illness, or family problem in front of you may seem, remember that the enemy’s resources are limited and temporary. The Creator of the universe is on your side, ready to intervene and give you a victory that no human effort could achieve on its own. When you face intimidation, do not be daunted. Stay calm, prepare diligently, and trust fully that the Lord is in charge. Encourage those around you with an attitude of unwavering faith and watch how God disrupts the adversary’s plans, leading you toward the spiritual, family, social, and financial success that He has already designed for your life.
“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NLT
Think About It:
- What situation or threat is trying to instill fear and discouragement in your life right now?
- Are you trying to fight your family or financial battles solely with your own strength, or are you resting in the power of God?
- What words of encouragement and faith can you share today with someone in your family or church who needs to remember that God is on their side?