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 32:8

Ever heard the story of King Hezekiah?  This Jewish king was a man of integrity who was righteous, was faithful to his family, honest in his work, and glorified the God who set him on the throne. But “After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded,” the book of 2 Chronicles tells (32:1).

This King Sennacherib was a cruel, dishonest, blasphemous villain. Hezekiah had reason to cry out over falling into the hands of someone evil, after his faithfulness to God.  Yet his response to the invasion was one of immediate action and faithfulness. Hezekiah called together advisers and began fortifying the walls of his city. Most importantly, he didn’t forget where his true help would come from. He encouraged his warriors, saying, “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).

In confirmation of Hezekiah’s faith, God dispatched a single angel who aided Hezekiah’s army in overpowering the attacking army in a matter of hours. The account ends saying, “So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. He took care of them on every side” (2 Chronicles 32:22).

If you serve God faithfully and still face disaster, remember that God is immensely capable.

 

Resource reading: 2 Chronicles 32:1-23