If you’re not able to see this entire post just click on the title above.)
“May you and I always trust God for the outcome.” <>< Dona (06/16/20)
Please read II Chronicles 32 through 33. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com. The Biblegateway website should open for you to use. Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters should appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.
In II Chronicles 32 Sennacherib, king of Assyria threatened to attack King Hezekiah and Jerusalem.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, You saved the Israelites from Assyria.
Something to think about
Hezekiah made two important decisions that led to his success: 1. He did everything he could do to deal with the situation. 2. And he trusted God for the outcome.
Something to experience
When we face a difficult situation we to should do the same. We can take steps to possibly solve the problem or improve our situation, but always we need to commit the outcome to God through prayer. In fact prayer should come before we act.
************************
In II Chronicles 32:7-8 Hezekiah encouraged his military officers 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.”
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, You encouraged Hezekiah and he encouraged the Israelites.
Something to think about
The people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said to them (verse 9). Hezekiah could see with eyes of faith. The enemy number meant nothing as long as the Lord was on Israel’s side.
Something to experience
Perhaps you’re facing a difficult battle. Where are you standing right now? Is God right there with you? You may never face what Hezekiah did, but the battles you will face can be won with God’s strength.
************************
In II Chronicles 32:24-33 God sought to know Hezekiah’s heart condition. God tested Hezekiah to see what he was really like and to show him his own shortcomings and the attitude of his heart.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, You allow us to make choices to reveal our character and our heart.
Something to think about
God didn’t totally abandon Hezekiah. God didn’t try to tempt him with sin or try to trick him. The test was meant to strengthen Hezekiah. But instead it revealed his runaway pride. He took the credit for his success instead of giving the credit to God.
Something to experience
Most of us can live good lives when all is going well. But when troubles come will we still hold strong to our convictions? Or will we too fail the test as Hezekiah did?
************************
In II Chronicles 33 Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. His life was full of evil deeds (see verses 2-9).
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, eventually Manasseh sought Your favor and humbled himself before You.
Something to think about
God listened to Manasseh when he cried out to Him. The Lord was moved by Manasseh’s prayer, so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God (see verses 12-13).
Something to experience
If God forgave Manasseh, surely He can forgive anyone. Don’t let a sin overpower you. Don’t doubt God’s forgiveness. With the last breath you breathe you can still call out to God. Nobody is beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness.
************************
Prayer