“And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear…” (2 Kings 18:14).
TEXT — 2 Kings 18:13-25
Message
We talk about faith when you are up on the mountain, Talk comes so easy when life’s at its best, But down in the valley of trials and temptations, That’s where your faith is really put to the test.
These lines from the song, “God of The Mountain” clearly describe the faith of many of us. When things are going on well with us, it appears our faith is strong. But when we come face to face with the fierce and boisterous storms of life, that is when our faith is really put to test.
That was the case of King Hezekiah here in our text. His faith and courage disappeared as he was confronted with the military might of the king of Assyria. He had previously revolted against the Assyrian king, but now had to plead for mercy and forgiveness, pledging to pay whatever tribute was levied on him. While Hezekiah’s action on the one hand may be viewed as an act of fear and cowardice, it actually appeared the best option open to him at that time to avert heavy defeat. Why did he not call upon God in prayer like he had to do later?
Fear paralyses faith, making us seek carnal alternatives to solve our problems. The moment we decide to pay attention to the threats and the size of the enemy instead of focusing on the omnipotence of God and His never-failing promises, we become weak in faith. We need to work on our faith and always put it to work when faced with challenges. Later on in the life of King Hezekiah, he renewed his faith and decided to pray when the king of Assyria came bragging again. In answer to that prayer, God sent Sennacherib back to his country where he was killed.
So, when next you are confronted with a challenge that seems to swallow you up, face it with faith and you will be sure to win.
Thought for the day
Unrelenting faith in God is the midwife of unending victories.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
4 comments
I am blessed. My family and friends are blessed. Thanks for the update.
I am blessed. My family and friends are blessed. Thanks for the update.
Faith in God is the 🗝️ key to victory.
I need daily manner sent to me every day.
A divine source for guidance on the journeys of life and eternity.