Help Is Here

I remember watching old western movies when I was kid. John Wayne was larger than life hero in many of the old movies. I can’t remember the names of all the movies, I remember the Calvary when they would show up and the battle would change. I remember them most in the “Cowboy and Indian” movies. The bugler would blow a certain sound and the armed soldiers on horses would attack! Having help on the way would be an encouragement to the people fighting to protect their fort or their homes.

Hezekiah, King of Judah (aka southern kingdom of Israel) was under the threat of invasion by the great king of Assyria, Sennacherib. The intelligence said that he was going to lay siege on Jerusalem, the capitol of Judah. King Hezekiah begins preparation for the fight. Check this out…

6 He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 ‘Be strong and courageous. 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. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. 21 And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. (2 Chronicles 32:6-8; 20-21a NIV)

I am impressed with Hezekiah’s faith in the face of crisis. He remained faithful to God even though the king of Assyria was pounding him with jeers and sneers about his faith in God.

I face battles day in and day out that can really scare me to death. I see a person battling a war of health. I see a deep friendship in battle. I see a marriage war. There a battles all around me, but none are stronger that the battle for control of my heart. I believe that this is an epic war. I need the Lord to fight for me. I need to assist in this battle. I believe this battle is won or lost on my knees in prayer. I must remember that the One Who is with me is stronger than the one who is seeking to destroy me. I can’t give up and I can’t give in. I also believe that when I study the Word of God – it’s like I’m looking at the enemy’s battle plans.

There is ALWAYS greater power with me than against me, when I’m walking in step with the Lord and trusting His Power to save me. I don’t believe I should set on my hands and do nothing. I love the preparations that Hezekiah made. I believe I should be proactive and do the work in preparation for the battle that the Lord leads me to do. At the end of the day it’s the Lord’s battle not mine. I’m trusting in Him to fight for me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne