The Lord says concerning the king of Assyria, “He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city. For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David” declares the Lord. (2 Kings 19:32-34)
God’s people have enemies on all sides, but those adversaries can do only what the Lord allows them to do. Time and time again, enemy nations believed they had conquered the people of God, when in fact God had simply delivered His people into their enemies’ hands as judgment on their rebellious hearts. And frequently, as was the case with the king of Assyria in today’s passage, the enemies of God may boast of bringing destruction on the people of God, only to find their evil schemes frustrated.
What enemies are you facing today? What has come up against you that is causing you to worry, fear, or doubt? Reread today’s passage and be comforted: the enemy cannot enter when God is defending the gate. The enemy cannot so much as shoot an arrow over the wall, much less advance against us, when our Savior is protecting us. If we would only take this truth to heart, we would live with far less fear and frustration and far more freedom and faithfulness.
It is important to note that God does not always eliminate our enemies; He uses them for our eternal good. We can be sure that all things that do come against us will be worked together by God for our good and His glory. So regardless of what you may be facing today, God has delivered it for your eternal good and has equipped you to overcome everything that has come up against you. Remember, there is no weapon formed that can come against you except the weapon that is wielded in the hand of our Savior. And that weapon is a weapon of both salvation and sanctification.
When our enemies are eliminated, we are to praise the mighty name of our God. And when our enemies are advancing in our direction, we are to praise the mighty name of our God because it is God who is directing them in our direction for two important purposes: God’s glory and our good. So fear not this day, Christian, regardless of what you are facing. You are not facing it without the Lord’s approval, and you are not facing it alone. Regardless of when our deliverance comes, it will come; and it will come at just the right time and in just the right way.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 