Today’s Scripture is 2Kings 18:16 “At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD and from the doorposts that Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria.”
When we look back to verse eight, we see that for the first time ever the Philistines were completely defeated. A long-running issue for the whole nation was resolved. What happened to Hezekiah’s thinking now that the challenge in front of him was much greater. The Philistines were a regional force but the Assyrian’s represented the strength of an empire, their reputation preceded them, and their brutality and viciousness were renowned. Hezekiah changes tactics – he starts to negotiate and bargain with the enemy of his nation, hoping he can buy them off as had previously happened for his father.
Let me just say here that I’m not having a go at Hezekiah – he is an incredible leader that faced threats and hardships that I pray I will never know. What I do want to do is gain from his experience, and learn how to apply that in my life.
It seems like when the problems got bigger Hezekiah started to focus on them, and maybe forgot a little about how big God was? The faith he had to conquer the Philistines did not seem to stretch to the Assyrians. But God, (don’t you just love when a but God appears!) – but God had other plans, and if we stay with the story we will see God at work, we will see how God graciously takes Hezekiah on a journey to grow his faith.
What maybe seemed hard to you some time back, and yet God got you through it? What challenges are you facing today? Just because the challenge is bigger today, does that mean God will not still help you gain the victory? What do you think?
Let’s watch over the next few weeks how God does marvellous things for Hezekiah, and allow our faith to grow. I’d like to pray 2 Chronicles 16:9 over you today if that’s ok – look to God, and prepare your heart, for the victory is first won in your heart!
Blessings
Allan
Principle 20 – where you focus on, will grow.
Strengths – Focus: People exceptionally talented in the Focus theme can take direction, follow-through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.