Threats

Spread it out before the Lord

2 Kings 19:14 AMPC

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. And he went up into the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord.

Hezekiah had received threats of destruction from the Assyrian leader.

Threats of devastation, war and plunder had been successfully carried out in surrounding nations.

Now the same army was on Hezekiah's doorstep.

What was his response?

He took that threatening letter and spread it out before the Lord in prayer.

We may not face a physical army (although a look at Ukraine will show that it's very possible), but there are other threats that are just as real....

It could be an increase in mortgage repayment or direct debit for gas and electric... bills that increase daily or even a spiteful post on social media!

Our response should be to "spread it out before the Lord" in prayer.

Sometimes it reinforces prayer to do something physical like hold up the smartphone or a document that has threatened us or a loved one.. hold it up to your Heavenly Father.

Hezekiah had a remarkable answer to his prayer and so will we as we share our burdens with Jesus.

My mum's favourite hymn was:

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and grief's to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

Now, in the hard reality of everyday life, it's time to prove God in adversity.

He has promised to care for us and He will NEVER fail.

Deuteronomy 31:6 AMPC

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.