When the forces are lacking

Jerusalem besieged. Sennacherib, king of Assyria (2 Chronicles 32) trying to take the city with his powerful army. The people scared. Fear weakens the strength and makes the heart fail. Faced with the uncertainty of what is about to happen, doubts arise. God leads you into the deserts of life to test faith and discover the machinations of the heart. Sennacherib mocked the God of Hezekiah "... the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand." (2 Chron 32.17)

The King of Judah harangued the people: “Be strong and courageous; do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor because of all the multitude that is with him, for he who is with us is more powerful than he who is with him ”(2 Chr 32.7). Hezekiah, accompanied by the prophet Isaiah, cried out to the Lord of Hosts and an angel of the Lord delivered the people from the invaders. The Bible says that Hezekiah prospered in everything he did (2 Chr 32.30).

Hezekiah, like David, was a man of prayer. The search for God in difficult times. Trust in the mercies of God above human projects. When prayer becomes a lifestyle for those who trust and believe in the power of God in the face of difficulties, a miracle happens, because God extends his hand to those who humble themselves in prayer and cry out for divine justice. The tears caused by trials and spiritual fainting as a consequence of our own concupiscent acts, can turn into praise and song if we turn to the one who is the source of comfort and love, Jesus Christ, our Rock and Lord.

The life of the Christian can also be besieged. The soldiers of the spiritual powers do not give up in their attempt to encircle our fidelity and love to the Lord, surround us with their subtle traps of apparently childish, but deceitful promises; harass us with temptations to reduce faith. What is the Christian life if not an authentic spiritual warfare?

The people were discouraged, but Hezekiah trusted his Lord and encouraged him to trust Him. God responded with power. He cannot be mocked. He responds when we put all our trust in his mercy and power. The fear of God is the source of life and peace for those who seek him and trust his promises of fidelity and restoration. Christ is the soon helper, the Rock where we can stand firmly when strength fails and the heart fails; it is the reason for our worship even when evil besieges and stumbles us. The heart that humbled turns to God, experiences joy and blessing.

The forces of man are not those of God. It seems a simplistic thing, but sometimes we believe in our “chariots and horses” (Psalm 20.7 RV) and not in the supernatural provision of God, which is Christ our Lord. That is why they falter and faint, the soul is overwhelmed and brings sadness to the heart. But God is good and his mercy is forever. To whom shall we go but to the one who has the word of eternal life? (John 6.68). Jesus waits. He is a specialist in waiting for the one who doubts, for the one who repents of his unbelief, for the one who falls into the trap of the hunter, but sets his eyes on Him for salvation and restoration. His outstretched arm gives us encouragement, renewed strength, and blessing. Turning to Him when our strength fails brings joy and peace.

God bless you!