By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY – April 23, 2025
THEME: PROMISE #67 – THE LORD OUR GOD WILL HELP US FIGHT OUR BATTLES
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 32:8
“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 were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah.”
REFLECTIONS
When you are hemmed in and besieged by troubles, struggles, trials, and adversaries, you can anchor your faith in the Lord and elicit heaven’s unlimited support. We do well to spend more time crying out to God than complaining and whining to humans who merely possess the arm of flesh.
The story of King Hezekiah’s implicit trust in God, even amidst a looming battle and imminent defeat, should encourage and inspire confidence and hope in the Lord. When individuals fail to recognize the power of God and regard Him as equal to other gods, they risk facing defeat and experiencing embarrassment and unbearable shame. Every believer should be mindful of how they perceive God and His power. Underestimating the strength of God means missing out on the marvelous deeds and great deliverances that others have witnessed in their lives.
Our promise #67 comes from a God-fearing and trusting leader who looked to God during terrible attacks and sieges, seeking divine intervention. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, attempted to capture Jerusalem. Arriving with some of the most elite soldiers of his time, he bragged about their numbers and sophisticated weaponry, credited his gods, and denounced the God of Judah. Through his servants, he aimed to instill fear in the people of Judah. King Hezekiah encouraged his people with this faith-inspired promise in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 – [7]“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. [8]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 were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah.”
Every Christian is blessed to know that God stands by them. In moments of desperation and great fear, we are reminded by the word of God: “Be strong and courageous,” “do not be afraid nor dismayed before” the battle confronting us. The reason is that we have more on our side than the attacking force. The difference is clear and exciting – with our enemies is the arm of flesh – weak, feeble, and frail; while with us is the Lord our God, strong and mighty to help us and to fight our battles. In verse 20, Hezekiah, the king, and Isaiah, the prophet, prayed and cried to God, and He responded with alacrity. God took center stage and set aside all the preparations King Hezekiah had made (his army, weaponry, and all the provisions needed for the battle). When God stands up to defend His people, human efforts make little or no sense. God sent only one angel (v. 21), and he defeated the army. When Sennacherib returned and entered the temple of his god, his offspring assassinated him. Beloved, if you indeed have the Lord God of heaven, why would you fear or be discouraged? He will set your efforts aside and win the battle for you grandly.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 622 – “Come, Come, Ye Saints”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His defense, love, and care; express gratitude that all is well and seek His grace;
– Pray for your parents, relatives, and those who support you in times of need;
– Pray for the members of your congregation to be Christ-centered and heaven-minded;
– Pray for minority groups in the country, individuals facing disaster, wars, violence, and those who are unwell.
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