Don’t Worry, Pray, Live at Peace

2 Chron 32:7-8 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of the king of Assyria and the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us, the Lord our God…”

2 Chron 32:24-25 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign. But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud.

Sennacherib did everything he could to discourage the people from following Hezekiah and the Lord. He claimed Hezekiah was deceiving them, and that he was just leading them into starvation and draught. He threatened Hezekiah directly. (2 Kings 19:10) “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria” He claimed that God was not any different than the gods of the other nations. (2 Chron 32:17) He did all he could to frighten and terrify the people. (2 Chron 32:18) But Hezekiah didn’t listen to their threats. Instead he prayed! He believed God was able.

Today Satan is trying to do the same thing, and He has been largely successful. How many people do you hear talking about “the arm of flesh,” in dealing with this virus? We have the creator of the universe who is calling the shots! What do we have to fear? 1 John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world!”

Satan comes at all of us with so many reasons to fret and worry and be anxious. God tells us to “Be anxious for nothing…” Don’t worry about ANYTHING!! Pray about EVERYTHING. That’s where we will find peace! (Phil 2:6-7)

I am so prone to worry about money. Even though we have seen God provide over and over. I still worry, especially when we have low months. I worry about ministry. Am I going to be stuck in an office, or stuck doing maintenance when I really want to be making a difference in people’s lives. Every time I witness, I worry that I am not going to say the right thing, or people won’t want to listen… What do you worry about?

Here’s my prayer for you from this passage.

1. That you would not be influenced by the world, it’s philosophies, and the lies of Satan about God. Remember, we don’t just have the “hand of flesh” on our side, we have the creator and sustainer of the universe!
   
2. That you would believe, without doubt, that “Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world” 1 John 4:4­ – That the truth would produce the peace of God in your hearts. (Phil 2:6-7)
   
3. That you won’t take God’s power and help for granted. Hezekiah did not finish well because he took credit for the success that God gave him. Be quick to acknowledge His work, and make His name famous!