Isaiah 36:4 “…on what are you basing this confidence of yours?”
The Assyrian empire spread from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. With their eyes set on Jerusalem, the Assyrian general told King Hezekiah to lay down his arms and surrender. Hezekiah was understandably shaken for he knew in the natural there was no hope.
In our journey of life we wrestle with issues that challenge our faith. If we fix our eyes on the problem we can find ourselves intimidated into spiritual paralysis. If you find yourself in such a battle let me encourage you to consider how Hezekiah handled the situation in chapter 37.
First, he did not ignore the problem, but went to the temple and laid out the threat to God in prayer. In verse 16 he prayed, “O Lord Almighty…you have made heaven and earth.” We begin by acknowledging that as a child of God we have the power and authority of Almighty God on our side. In verse 17 he prayed “Give ear, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord and see…” We ask God to take note of our circumstances and give heed to our prayer. In verse 20 he prayed “Now, O Lord, our God, deliver us…” We ask God to grant us victory and crush the enemy.
God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. The victory took place swiftly and silently, for the Assyrian general did not discover the carnage until he awaked from his sleep the next morning. Think of it; in a matter of a few hours one single angel from God struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and their general was not even aware of it until the battle was over. It makes you wonder what incredible thing God is doing on our behalf right now that we are not yet aware of.
Be encouraged my friend, for as a child of God you are supported by the power and authority of Almighty God. He is aware of your circumstances and is working in ways even now that you are not yet aware.