Battling the Enemy with Biblical Truth: II Kings 19

Pastors, church planters, missionaries, you will face many episodes of satanic opposition. You will serve faithfully yet end up deeply discouraged. Our enemy finds numerous methods attempting to stop you because his true aim is to destroy God’s glory. We must expect this and we must fight it. Today in my communion with God meditating on 2 Kings 18-19, God gave me strength against our enemy as His Spirit ministered these words to my heart. May this strengthen you as well to do battle with the devil and his evil minions.

King Hezekiah is our older brother in this battle from whom we learn much. He did the work of God, fearlessly tearing down the pagan idols. Yet Sennacherib, the demon-worshipping king of Assyria, came against Judah to shame and capture them. He took the gold from the temple and determined to take the entire land of Judah. Hezekiah was grieved deeply when he heard this wicked man’s threats, mocking God. He tore his clothes and mourned, covered with sackcloth and sadness.

• Hezekiah pleased God, destroying the false gods – 18:1-8.

• Sennacherib mocked, “God cannot help you” – 18:19-37.

• Hezekiah mourned, deeply distressed – 19:1-3.

• Hezekiah turned to God and His prophet for help – 19:1-2.

• God said, “Do not be afraid” of your powerful enemy – 19:5-7.

• Hezekiah grew mighty in faith and prayer – 19:15-19.

• God crushed Sennacherib, the demon king – 19:36-37.

Satan hates God and hates all of His servants. So he will throw everything he can at them to stop them: conflicts with church members, damaging sinful failures by believers, our own sinful failures, marital strife, personal and family heartaches, disappointments in life, discontentment, physical sickness, community members who oppose the work. These all bring discouragement that, without God’s help, would surely throw us down, steal our joy, and stop our work.

What must you do? Do what Hezekiah did. Mourn over the distressing thing. Then go to God and pour out your heart to Him, taking up these words from God to Hezekiah to increase your faith. Believe that God will keep His promise to uphold His glory and hold you up as He displays His glory in your life and work.