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2 Chronicles 32:1-22
Message No. 0639 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca
There is a saying that if you give the devil an inch, he will take a mile. The way to stop something is to not let it happen in the first instance. People who are addicted to drugs have often mentioned what they experienced when they took the first sniff. The ecstasy of that first use continues to draw them into further use and the aspiration of recreating that first feeling enslaves them into addiction. Unfortunately, as I am made to understand, that first feeling is often a one-time feeling, it is never possible to experience it again, no matter how much the addict tries.
The devil often deceives people into addiction of various kinds. In 2 Chronicles chapter 32, King Hezekiah of Judah had just celebrated the Passover, where he worked hard to turn the people back to God and repaired the alters of the Lord while destroying the alters of the idols that the people worshipped. This obviously pleased the Lord and there was revival in the land. Enter King Sennacherib of Assyria. He, and his predecessors had conquered other lands in the recent past and had turned them to their subjects. This success had made him drunk to the extent that he elevated himself above God. He got addicted into conquering kings and nations, and his next target was Judah and Jerusalem (a special prize).
Sennacherib was so full of himself that he insulted God in the process. In verses 10 and 13-15, he sent messages to the people of Jerusalem:
“This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you think you can survive my siege of Jerusalem? “Surely you must realize what I and the other kings of Assyria before me have done to all the people of the earth! Were any of the gods of those nations able to rescue their people from my power? Which of their gods was able to rescue its people from the destructive power of my predecessors? What makes you think your God can rescue you from me? Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you! Don’t let him fool you like this! I say it again—no god of any nation or kingdom has ever yet been able to rescue his people from me or my ancestors. How much less will your God rescue you from my power!”
Is it possible that your own Sennacherib has written you letters similar to this? Perhaps he has given you examples of people who have reached the age of marriage like you and have not found a spouse and he is using this to harass you into believing that you will not marry. Or perhaps you are married and you want children but none is forthcoming and the devil has boastfully listed for you several people that he has prevented from having children. Perhaps you hold your first or even second or third degree and yet there is no job forthcoming, and the devil has given you examples of people whose chances he blocked and whose future hang in the balance.
The devil may have told you that this year is gone again and yet your prayer is not answered, and he is asking you to accept his solution by abandoning your God and worshipping him. He has introduced alternatives to waiting on God and he has repeatedly told you that your God cannot deliver you because He is not even paying attention to your prayers. What you need to do is what King Hezekiah did when Sennacherib harassed him and the people of God. In verses 7 and 8, Hezekiah encouraged the people by saying:
“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.
As Hezekiah did, I encourage you today by letting you know that there is a Power far Greater on your side than the power of the devil. Satan is God’s creature and as the clay has yet to develop power to challenge the potter, he is not able to stand where the almighty God is present. To prove to Sennacherib that He is God and not like the gods of the nations he had conquered to date, God sent a mere angel to destroy his army and he returned home in shame. In the end, one of his sons destroyed him with a sword.
God is on your side and as long as this is the case, the enemy may try but it will be in vein. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, they were like those who dreamed (Psalm 126:1). I have seen those who had delay in marriage marry wonderful people and their homes are the envy of others. I have seen people who had delay in childbearing give birth to wonderful children. I have seen those who had delays in gaining employment find wonderful jobs. Your own case cannot be different. Stand on the promises of the Lord. Your friends and relations will celebrate you very soon, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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