Restoring and Rebuilding – Week Four

We often have the mistaken idea that life is supposed to be easy. We think if we follow God and do what He says, we should have a problem-free existence. But trials and challenges are part of this world. No matter who we are and how we live, we cannot avoid them.

Over the last month, we have been learning from the life of King Hezekiah as he restored and rebuilt a nation. In 2 Chronicles chapter 32, his story takes a significant plot twist introduced with these words, “After these acts of faithfulness Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah…” (32:1 NASB)

After faithfully serving God, it appears that Hezekiah’s reward is an invasion of a powerful king. My mind screams – Wait a second! That’s not fair! Why? What kind of reward is that? What is God doing here?

And truth be told, often these are the same exclamations and statements that I find running through my head when I look at my circumstances.

When we feel frustration building and confusion settling in, we have to fill our minds with truth. Life is a battle. Nothing is handed to us. Anything of significant value comes at considerable cost. Victories result after the struggle. New beginnings arrive from seasons of pain.

Over the last few weeks, God has been reminding me to stand firm and fight.

When caught up in that false idea that life is supposed to be easy, I will find myself overwhelmed and disheartened. If I focus on my circumstances to determine my value or the depth of God’s love, I will be shaken and insecure. When I wait for everything to come together, feel good, or become simple, I will miss out and turn bitter.

I recently heard someone say, it is not what happens to us that determines our future, but who we listen to and how we respond to what occurs. How true! Rather than measuring ourselves by the challenges we face, we need to measure ourselves by our response to those challenges.

Let’s look at Hezekiah again. When faced with an invasion, he sprung into action. Instead of throwing his hands in the air, like many of us are prone to do, Hezekiah did everything he could to prepare for his enemy. He cut off the water supply outside the city gates, repaired the walls, built towers, added a new protective barrier, and commissioned military strength.

In addition to preparing the city of Jerusalem for the ensuing attack, Hezekiah challenged the people to be strong and courageous. He reminded them that while Sennacherib was only a man, their great God would fight their battles.

As Hezekiah pointed to God, his enemy taunted him and continued to advance. Instead of giving up, Hezekiah connected with the man of God, Isaiah. Together, they prayed and cried out to heaven. In response, the Lord sent an angel to defeat the Assyrian army.

When we face attacks (external or internal), Hezekiah’s example provides us with practical steps. We strengthen ourselves and gain perspective as we:

1. Protect our vulnerabilities by putting up safeguards.
2. Speak life-giving words.
3. Look at our problems through the view of how powerful our God is.
4. Join together with people of great faith.
5. Pray.

I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Ephesian church, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Are you standing firm today? Or are you giving in to fear and disappointment?

Is the struggle you are facing bringing out the best or the worst in you?

Do you believe that your God is with you and fighting for you?