In 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 we read how Sennacherib king of Assyria invaded Judah, laying siege of their cities, trying to conquer them for himself. But Hezekiah had a plan. He blocked off all their springs, so that Sennacherib wouldn't find a water supply. Then he repaired all the broken sections of the Judah's wall and made large numbers of weapons and shields. In short...Hezekiah prepared for battle.
He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him. As they gathered together at the city gate. Hezekiah encouraged them with these words: "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. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, NIV)
Friends, listen carefully and apply these words of comfort to your individual battles and circumstances of life...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of your battles, obstacles, hindrances or oppositions! Why??? Because there is a greater power with us than what comes against us. The LORD our God helps us and fights our battles.
God's word reminds us, Greater is He that is in us...than he that is in this world. (1 John 4:4)
The Lord Himself fights our battles (just as He did for Moses and the Israelites). In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)
Today, as I sat silently before the Lord, The Holy Spirit reminded me, apart from Him...I CAN DO NOTHING! When I feel anxious, it's because I've began to rely on my own power and abilities. But when I release my worries and fall back into God's arms remembering WHO HE IS...my worries vanish.
Friends, we are NOT abandoned to our own reasoning or strength. God is with us!
Ps 121:1-122:1 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. " (NIV)
Beloved, is Jesus Lord of your life? Have you excepted His work of salvation?
If so...listen carefully...If God the Son redeemed our soul and washed us clean before our heavenly Father, reconciling us to God...then He is able to do ANYTHING!
Like Hezekiah, let's prepare for battle. Let's do the necessary steps to triumph over our enemy. Let's take away anything that might assist the enemy's attempts to destroy us (by confessing and removing sin from our life...and by assembling other warriors to gather with us in our fight)...just like Hezekiah...but then let's continue to follow Hezekiah's words of encouragement and remember...GOD FIGHTS OUR BATTLES!
Today, let us purpose once again to surrender, to trust, to rest...TO DREAM BIG...TO LAUGH OFTEN...and TO REMEMBER GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!
PRAYER: Father, for the discouraged, the weak, the weary I pray YOUR PERFECT strength and peace. Fill us with the confidence to know YOU WILL work ALL THINGS together for our good. Fill us with joy and laughter, knowing You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. We pause before You and breathe in deeply Your very presence! IN JESUS NAME...AMEN!
Thanks for your reminder that God is with me throughout all of the trials that I am going thru. He is providing healing in my surgery wound. He is taking care of my finances, even when it looks bleak to me. He is providing all that I need. I am so glad that He does not slumber or sleep.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Clark
debbiemcla@msn.com
Thank you Julie! As I stare at a pile of bills (growing higher and higher) I needed to be reminded of God's provision! :)
ReplyDeleteYesterday I received a word that reminded me not to let go of my vision. To realize that if my life does not reflect that vision, than I am not done, God is not done with preparing me and it is truly His timing.
ReplyDeleteYou taught today, "Friends, we are NOT abandoned to our own reasoning or strength. God is with us!" How often in my life I have felt abandoned, and alone... only to realize that it was me who abandoned the reality of Christ in my life, the powerful presence that I ignored.
Thank you Julie for your love of our heavenly father and your faithfulness to His deliverance of His truth to others through you.
I am blessed beyond measure knowing that He has given me such an amazing friend in you. I am praying that His strength pours freely to your open arms.
Love you.
Debbie, may God grant you strength, healing, and provision for every need! Standing with you in prayer today.
ReplyDeleteMeliss, praying for you. Never heard about the job interview outcome...May God bless you abundantly with every blessing. May every bill be met. And may there be ample provision remaining.
Shawn, I ♥ U! I recently read that when God calls us the vision will always seem to big...and the time of waiting offers us the opportunity to adjust our life in preparation of the promise. God sized calls demand God sized character...walking with you as God shapes each of us to be prepared to receive all He has for us and wants to do through us! Thank you for your steadfast heart! :)
Reading this powerful blog is exactly what I needed to hear. Please keep my husband in your prayers we are having to go to court come this Thursday Morning for he is accused of something that he didn't do. He loves God deeply and family. We will be married 30 years come July 2nd. For we know that Satan is the author of lies and We also know our Messiah will fight our battle. For the one that is saying these things about my husband also said that God is fake. We pray that God shows how powerful,wonderful,loving he truly is!! Please join us in praying for my husband. The power of prayers moves mountains!! I pray that God richly bless you from the top of your head to the soles of your feet!! We truly serve an awesome God!!
ReplyDelete