2 Kings 18:19-20 The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?
Faith and fear cannot coexist in the heart. When we are threatened or intimidated it is normal for fear to attack the mind but fear must be defeated before it affects the heart. If fear grips the heart then our faith will become fragile, fractured and flail. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment” (1 John 4:18). The everlasting compassion of God will keep us in perfect peace as we trust in His incomprehensible power and incredible might.
King Hezekiah was gravely threatened by the king of Assyria, who sent him a derogatory letter that was read aloud before all the people. His confidence in the Lord was attacked severely. The letter not only mocked Hezekiah but it also blasphemed the Almighty God. Hezekiah took the letter and spread it before the Lord and prayed for deliverance. The Lord of Hosts heard his faith-filled prayer and gave him a mighty victory over the scornful enemy. One mighty angel from heaven was deployed to slaughter 185,000 Assyrian violent warriors. “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him”. (Psalm 91:15). When people threaten you ask yourself this question – “Who said so?” Defeat fear in your head before it hurts the faith in our heart.
Faith trumps over fear:
- Read: Hezekiah read the contemptuous letter and did not react in fear but responded in faith. He spread it before the Lord.
- Reinforce: Reinforce God’s Word over the threats of the people or predictions. Don’t repeat your fears to reinforce the promises of God that builds faith.
- Rest: Faith is a posture of rest in the confidence that God is at work.
Fear is a torment but faith is the posture of rest and confidence.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, teach me to hurl back at the threat –“who said so” and rest safely in your arms. Amen.
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