Thursday, August 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018

"He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them 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.'  And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the Judah said." (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)

Hezekiah's words to his army commanders boosted the confidence of his people.  He boldly pointed to the Lord's power as superior to that of any great army of flesh, echoing his ancestor David's trust in the living God.  May God bring that kind of trust in God among our local, state, and national leadership!

How could Hezekiah have reached this level of confidence?  Would it have come from thin air?  No, he had fellowshipped with God and found Him faithful.  He gained strength from His own relationship with God and then had the resources to pass that confidence to his people.

I believe that God has placed us in this time and place for the opportunity to influence others by living and sharing the Gospel.  Our country has become quite divided, and many people are struggling to find hope and confidence for the future.

Hezekiah's pattern shows us how we may be well-prepared for bringing a positive influence for today.  Meeting with God and trusting Him helps us to reach out to others with true hope.  By reading His Word, connecting with Him in prayer, and meeting together with other Christ-followers, we gain the strength to stand for Christ and to call others similarly.  We may then become "the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Lord God, thank You for the faithful example of Hezekiah and others who have stood boldly for You in the face of danger and fear.  Strengthen our faith as we read Your Word, seek You in prayer, and meet with other believers.  Give us opportunities to share our confidence in You with others, so that may be encouraged and filled with hope.  We need You in this day and place.  In Jesus's Name, amen.