After blessing comes testing. It happens to every believer. God allows it and Satan certainly makes every effort to rob us of our blessings. In Hezekiah's case, Sennacherib, king of Assyria was the tool used. He attacked several cities of Judah and conquered them. Hezekiah panicked. Instead of asking God for help he stripped the sacred temple of its treasures and gold and sent it all to Sennacherib as a peace offering. But Sennacherib wasn't to be put off. He sent messengers to Hezekiah threatening the seizure of Jerusalem. His words were utterly blasphemous (2 Kings 18:19-35). Later he sent a letter repeating his threats. This time Hezekiah took the letter and went into the temple and spread it before the Lord! (v.14). He may have been influenced by the prophet Isaiah whose ministry covered much of Hezekiah's reign. God answered in a remarkable way (v.20). He said he would deal personally with the Assyrians. The result was the death of most of their army and their subsequent retreat. What does all the history say to us? First, be prepared for testing after blessing. It happened to Christ after His baptism. The Father had said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". Satan attacked Christ on that point immediately. His first words were, "If you are the Son of God..." Testing can be very severe. Hold on to God. He is faithful and will stand with you through the test. Whatever comes, do not compromise. Take the circumstances to God in prayer and leave it all with Him. Read again 1 Corinthians 10:13 and see what God will allow and look for the promised way of escape. Stay in touch with Him no matter what happens. |
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