There was an attack in New Orleans yesterday in the early morning. Leaving 10 people dead, and many others injured. The FBI is involved. They post pound the sugar bowl until today to make sure everything is safe. But can you imagine? Celebrating one moment. Fighting for your life the next. Can you imagine the fear? You are not alone. God has you. Years ago Hezekiah had to speak these words to his people. They were getting invaded. He knew that the people were fearful. He knew where that fear came from. He knew they would forget who God is. He knew they would forget His almighty power and glory. Hezekiah knew that he couldn’t just be a good king and a skilled general. He knew he must also be a wise pastor to his people.
As they were preparing for the Assyrians, he didn’t want the people of Judah to think that they were left alone. He wanted them to know that they had been blessed. And not forget God was with them. He told his people: “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!”
Being fearful is a human experience. Chances are, everyone of us is going to experience it at one point or another. I know I have. Especially when the lives of my bride or my children were at risk. But I would also like to say this…even though fear is something that we’re going to face, experiencing God can get us past it. Hezekiah knew his people needed to hear that. I think we all need to hear that. I think we all need to know that God is present today. And he will be present in the future. So when you experience fear, or experience times of uncertainty, remember that God is here for you. And as the Bible tells us, “Be strong and courageous.” He will see you through. But it’s up to us to turn to him. It’s up to us to ask him. It’s up to us to let him take control.
