Preparation for the Battle

II Chron. 32:8

With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

 

Hezekiah was about to face a formidable enemy, the King of Assyria. Responsibly, he made preparations including re-routing the water springs so that Sennacherib would have no water when he mounted his attack. He also built up the wall and made weapons and shields in abundance. Then he gathered the people to encourage their hearts saying, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

 

What a great picture of the Christian's daily struggle against sin, evil, and temptation! First we must be responsible in our daily lives. We must re-route our source of water so that we don't go into the enemy camp for water, and so that our enemy derives no sustenance from our water. Why nourish the very thing that will defeat us?  Instead of drinking deeply of the world's water sources, we drink deeply of the water of the Word letting it sustain and fill us with its life-giving satisfaction.

 

We also build up our wall with the promises of God. They are our protection from any fiery darts that Satan flings at us. Then we make ready our arsenal, the armor of God. Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. What protection is this! Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

 

There is the key, we must take up. It is our responsibility to be in the right place, to nourish our souls with the water of the word, to build up our wall with His promises, and to take up His armor. All is there ready and waiting for us, but do we take it up? Does fear of what is to come paralyze us? Or are we just lazy, seeking the easy way? Or do we like what the world offers more than the battle that must be fought? We too can be encouraged by Hezekiah's words. Anything that the world throws at us is with an arm of flesh, but we have the Lord God to help us fight out battles. With God, all things are possible!

 

Father,

Strengthen my resolve so that I am responsible for You. Thank You for giving me all that I need to wage this battle. Flood me with Your grace and power so that I can stand firm having done all.

In Jesus name,

Amen