2 Chronicles 32:7. Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him.
Oh Friends, unfortunately another Monday has rolled around, which means that we (the lucky ones with jobs) have to go out and labour. Yes, I know how hard that can be after a couple of wonderful days labour free, and I guess that’s why the Lord put it in my heart today to write particularly on strength, courage and reassurance. Ah mih people, it’s exceedingly rough out there in our crazy, confused, strife torn world, and only the strong in Christ will survive. So in fitting fashion, let’s begin this uprising, this upsurge of faith and courage by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty verve and gusto. As one voice now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Now that was certainly a good boost for our spirits, but let’s not stop there, let’s keep lifting them higher by recalling the encouraging words of our Bit: ‘Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him.’ And that’s the awesome truth Friends! Listen to the next verse that further explains it. ‘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 rested themselves upon (were strengthened, encouraged by) the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.’ (2 Chr.32:8) Yes mih breddren, those were the encouraging, uplifting, soul and life saving words of King Hezekiah, when Sennacherib, the Assyrian king invaded Judah, threatening to destroy Jerusalem. But unfortunately he reckoned without the presence, the might and power of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord heard the prayerful cries of Hezekiah, the prophet Isaiah and the people of Jerusalem, and answered them thus: ‘And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels (his own children) slew him there with the sword.’ (2 Chr.32:21) Oh Friends, our God is so magnificent that it truly amazes me when I read about His awesome works on behalf of those who serve, worship and obey His will! It’s a promise He made to Israel through Moses. ‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Deut.31:6) And that promise still holds good for us even till today my people! So fellow believers in Christ, let’s not allow the enemy and this sinful, ungodly world to brow beat us into a state of fear, for we have the most powerful Being in the universe, its very Creator, Almighty God, fighting on our behalf. Wow! And if we stand strong and courageous, as He desires, we will definitely see His omnipotence working to save us from the evil and evil doers that now surround us. And since we know that He faithfully keeps His promises, there’s no need to fear, once we keep walking obedient to His will. Friends, the Lord’s done His part, it’s time for us to do ours. And that’s to go out into the world, labour faithfully in His Name, while showing and telling others about the wonderful news of salvation and eternal life freely provided through belief in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. So let’s be up and at ’em nuh Friends! Let’s do it in Jesus’ Name nuh! And all God’s people rose up with a mighty shout of ‘Amen! Praise the Lord for His goodness to us unworthy children!’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Much LOVE!…ours is not to be cowed and afraid…but to be strong and courageous… while the mighty Jehovah God fights for us…
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