Which is easier for me to trust—what I can see, or what I can’t see? Definitely what I can see and touch for myself! But sometimes what is visible is not enough.
When Hezekiah saw that Jerusalem was going to be invaded by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, he made all the preparations he knew to do. He produced large numbers of weapons, he built towers, and repaired the city walls. Since the water supply for the city was outside the walls, he chiseled a tunnel underneath to channel the spring inside—you can still walk through it today.
Hezekiah knew, however, that he must also prepare the hearts of his people. It wasn’t easy to keep up their morale. Their enemy was taunting the people of Jerusalem, saying, “On what are you basing your confidence? Do you not know what I have done to all the peoples of the other lands? Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand? How then can your god deliver you?’
But Hezekiah came right back with stirring words:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army,
for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh,
but with us is the Lord our God to fight our battles. ”
(2 Chronicles 32:10-14, excerpted)
Yes, the situation was serious, but Hezekiah urged his leaders to have faith in the invisible: not human help, but the Lord their God.
And what was the outcome? God sent an angel who wiped out all the forces of the Assyrian king. Sennacherib had to withdraw to his own land in disgrace.
How about that problem you’re facing? “Be strong and courageous,” God says. With your enemy is only the “arm of flesh,” but with you is the Lord your God to fight your battles.
Focus on the invisible God and take heart!
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