A Letter and a Prayer

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 2 Chronicles 32:6-15 & 20,21

TO CHEW ON: “'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.' And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said." 2 Chronicles 32:7,8

Sennarcherib the fierce king of Assyria had already defeated Israel. Now he had his eye on Judah. He invaded the country with his powerful army. When soldiers surrounded the walled cities near Jerusalem, Hezekiah knew that he would soon be there.

Hezekiah did all he could to get ready. He cut off the water supply to the outside the walls of Jerusalem. He made the walls stronger. But most of all, he encouraged the people. “Don’t look at Sennarcherib’s strong army,” he said to them. “Instead, look at our big God.”

One day a messenger arrived with a letter. It was from Sennarcherib. “What are you trusting in?” the letter asked. “If Hezekiah is telling you that God will save you – he’s lying. Which god of any nation has ever been able to save them from me? None! Your God is no stronger.”

After reading the letter, Hezekiah tore his clothes and put on sackcloth. He told one of his servants to get the prophet Isaiah. Then he and Isaiah went to the temple. Together they cried out to God for help.


Soon a report came to Hezekiah. Three things had happened in the Assyrian war camp. What were they? 2 Chronicles 32:20-21:

1. Sennarcherib was seen writing more letters.
2. God had sent an angel.
3. The angel had annihilated (killed) the soldiers, officers and leaders of Sennarcherib’s army.
4. Sennarcherib’s army conquered Jerusalem.
5. Sennarcherib and what was left of his army went back home.




Have you ever faced an impossible situation like this? Perhaps someone you love is deathly ill and no doctor can help. Or maybe the school bully has turned everyone against you and no one will be your friend. Or your mom has lost her job and there’s not enough money for rent. Whatever your big problem is, be like Hezekiah and take it to God. He is bigger than any problem ever could be. He can help.

PRAYER: Dear God please help me to be quick to take my problems to you. Amen.

MORE: Impossible Rescues
There are many stories of God rescuing people out of impossible situations. Read one of these today to remind you of what an awesome God He is.

1. The Big Chase - Exodus 14:5-31.

2. The Spy who Wasn’t - 2 Kings 6:8-22.

3. Fighting with Trumpets, Torches and Jugs - Judges 7:7-23.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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