Exodus 10-11; 2 Chronicles 32; John 17:20-26; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 44: This weekend I am speaking for a group in Mississippi and the theme is Fear Not. This is a theme that comes up frequently and part of the reason why is because so many people live in fear. And yet God says 365 times in His word not to be fearful. In our reading today we read one of the passages I will be using. It is about when Sennacherib the king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. Hezekiah saw what was happening and took steps to thwart the enemy take over, but the people of Judah were afraid because they had seen what this conquering king had done to all of the countries around them. Here is how Hezekiah encouraged the people.
2 Chronicles 32:7″Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8With 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.
This message may find you in a place of great fear right now. If so hold on my friend. Take the reasonable measures to face the enemy that is ahead of you, but don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed because the One who is with you is greater than any enemy you face. You just need to hold on with faith to Him. Pray, stay in His word speaking back to Him the words in His book. Live with a clean heart toward Him asking for forgiveness for any sin that might be creeping in. Then listen and walk where He is telling you to go. Doing His will step by step will bring the peace and confidence you need. Last but certainly not least praise Him for who He is and what He has done and is doing. As faith in Him fills the place where fear once lived you will know unbelievable peace!
P.S. I would appreciate any prayers you want to lift up this weekend as well. Pray God shows up big through me this weekend. I speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday at two different places.