READING: 2 Chronicles 32-34
It’s another one of those cool verses about warfare in the Bible — a verse that speaks about God’s power and willingness to fight the battles for His own. We’ve read many of these verses throughout the devotions this year, but this one’s even more clear. Sennacherib King of Assyria threatened to attack Jerusalem, and Hezekiah prepared his forces in turn by blocking off the water, repairing the walls, creating weapons, and appointing military leaders. With all those preparations, though, the king still knew that victory rested in the hands of God.
Listen to his words of encouragement to his people: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chron 32:7-8a).
There is so much in this verse. First, when God is with us, we have no reason to fear — regardless of the size of the enemy forces. Second, God with us automatically means that there are more on our side than on the enemy’s side. God alone conquers all. Third, the arm of flesh — human strength — is no match for God. Fourth, God fights our battles for us. When we know these truths, we can respond like the people did: “And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah king of Judah said” (2 Chron 32:8b).
I don’t know what you’re facing today. Maybe it’s opposition in your church . . . or health struggles . . . or family difficulties . . . or strong temptations . . . or financial worries . . . or wayward children . . . or consuming worries . . . or an unclear future. Whatever you’re up against, though, I do know this truth: God’s bigger.
ACTION STEPS:
- Let God fight your battles again today. Turn to Him immediately when life gets tough.
- Take time to thank Him for this recurrent theme of victory in Him throughout the Scriptures.
PRAYER: “Lord, grant me faith to overcome fear and worry. Make me strong and courageous in You.”
TOMORROW¹S READING: 2 Chronicles 35-36