ON EVERY SIDE. 2nd Chronicles 32 We must remember, as children of God, that we are "strangers and pilgrims" passing through this world on our way to our home, where our Father awaits us. There will be pressures, temptations, and testing times from every side. Some will test our opposition and show how our courage and confidence in God will sustain us, even in the face of discouragement. Others will be tests of success, where our pride may try to take the upper hand. There will also be tests of flattery and deceit that can make us feel good about ourselves and our "skillful Christianity." Those who returned from exile were reminded by this account of the times of Hezekiah that testing will come "on every side."
The mighty Assyrian Empire had expanded across the Middle East during the time of Hezekiah. Ahaz, his father, agreed to pay tribute to the Assyrians to avoid a war he knew he couldn't win. He had no relationship with the Lord God of Israel, so he relied on his worthless idols, which he worshipped.
The purpose of the Assyrians was to collect taxes from all the tribes from Assyria to Egypt and to prosper through the tribute money and goods that came from those who feared them or whom they had conquered. They didn't want captives except for those who remained rebellious because captives cost more money than they would bring in. If a city had been destroyed and needed repopulation, the Assyrians would relocate captives to that location.
Hezekiah paid the heavy tribute, but Sennacherib demanded unconditional surrender. Hezekiah ceased wavering and, renewed in his faith in God, took bold action. He cut off the water supply to the Assyrians by building a tunnel to bring water into the city. He doubled the walls, stationed his army, and then trusted in God’s power to save them. God intervened and defeated the Assyrians on the spot. Sennacherib had to return home in shame and was murdered by his own people.
When the Assyrians confronted Hezekiah, he did everything he could to prepare a defense and manage the situation that a siege would cause. The tunnel he had built to bring water into the city was a remarkable engineering feat. Two teams started from opposite ends of the tunnel and, surprisingly, met without missing the other group's progress. After that, Hezekiah could stop the water, putting the Assyrians at a disadvantage since water was scarce near Jerusalem. He reinforced the city walls and added a second wall for extra protection. However, he knew that what he truly needed was God's help, and in his prayers, it was clear that he trusted God to provide the right solution to their problem.
There is a principle we need to practice continually in our service to the Lord. We must do what we can with energy and enthusiasm, ensuring that we have left nothing undone that is within our power to accomplish. Then we can hand the entire matter over to the Lord, knowing that He alone can bring true victory. We fulfill our responsibility by bringing the whole matter to the Lord in prayer and trusting Him in faith for the best possible outcome. Faith and courage go hand in hand. Doubt defeats us. Testing times reveal who we truly are in character and faith. These testing times are refining periods that bring out the best in God's people. It is during those times that our character is displayed for all to see.
Tests are not designed to trick us or mislead us, but to reveal who we truly are and what our genuine attitude toward God and others is. Living a righteous life is usually not too hard when times are easy and success is present. It is during times of pressure, pain, and trouble that our true character shows itself. At those moments, our faith in God is either demonstrated or our pride is revealed. Crisis times are to be expected by believers who live godly lives in an ungodly world and a sinful society.
Adversity is a normal part of life because it’s through life's challenges that we grow strong in Christ. Faithfulness, trust, and truth are deeply connected. God allows testing times to make these truths real to us, preventing us from becoming careless in how we live, indifferent to the evil around us, or prideful. The eyes of faith look beyond opposition to the One who says, "Be strong and of good courage."
Threats and threatening speeches from unbelievers are simply attempts to intimidate us and cause fear and embarrassment. People hope we will not be so bold in our faith as to make it appealing to those seeking peace and purpose in life. Insults and defiance against God do not cause believers to turn away from trusting our Lord and our faith in Him. Foresight on the part of a child of God is not due to a lack of faith, but rather evidence of the reality of who we are and why God has called us.
The water system Hezekiah built was essential for the survival of his people, and he completed it. The double wall was for security, and he was capable of building it. The tested workers provided leadership for safety. The king's words to the people were meant to bring the calmness of spirit needed during that testing time. The words, "Be strong and courageous," are from God to Joshua many generations before Hezekiah, and they have resonated through the centuries to people of faith from then until now.
The contrast between trusting in the flesh and trusting in God is clear and undeniable. "With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battle," are words of faith spoken by the speaker and encouragement to those listening. The words of Isaiah became real and personal to Hezekiah. Nations rise and fall throughout history. Some rise quickly, like Assyria. Others rise slowly, like Babylon. The same is true when nations fall. Some disappear almost overnight. Others crumble from within, like the Roman Empire, and we worry about our own country. But when we hear God's voice speaking to us through His word and His servants, we gain strength for our day—not from ourselves, but from our God. When that truth is real to us, we can encourage others.
Verbal attacks often intimidate Christians, so they choose to stay silent rather than respond. In fact, this is usually the best way to handle verbal abuse from those who want to argue about the Bible and resent God's truth, exposing their sin. The writer of Chronicles for the returned exiles states what is right. He did not focus on Hezekiah's fears and lack of faith at the beginning of this crisis. We need to remember from time to time that fear and failure don't always mean we've gone beyond the "redemption point." "God is still on His throne, and He will remember His own." Prayer and supplication to God are always comforting for a person of faith, and answers to our prayers are a blessed resource for God's people in trouble.
When accusations and challenges are directed at God and His people, remaining silent in the face of rudeness often helps put things into proper perspective. Some believe it's rude not to respond to unfounded accusations, but to avoid a "he said, she said' situation—a debate looking for a place to erupt—that's the best way to counter a baseless, foolish opinion. Insolence and ignorance frequently go hand in hand when someone tries to intimidate others and make their faith seem unfounded. A challenge to God's power and authority by insignificant, mortal men can be most effectively handled by God Himself. Our duty is to demonstrate our faith in Him and not to fail or falter in our trust in our Lord.
God is capable of defending His own honor when challenged, and He does so in His own way. In a single night, He defeated the military power of the Assyrian empire and brought Sennacherib's fame to shame. We can find rest in God's sovereignty when we face situations like temptation, discouragement, despair, and opposition. Personal testing times occur when we alone are affected by circumstances through which God works with us. Sickness, as in the case of Hezekiah, can be a severe test if we look only to "physicians and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse." An earnest prayer for healing is appropriate. The answer may be healing, or a reassurance like, "My grace is sufficient for thee, and My strength is made perfect in weakness." This is a test of faith in God's sovereignty.
A more serious test may occur when pride surfaces and we fail to give God all the glory for His mercy and deliverance. Even the best of men falter at times in this regard, as we claim credit for victories that come from divine grace. There is a principle we must remember. "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." We should be grateful when a "word in season" is spoken to us and we realize it was meant for us.
It is likely that Hezekiah's illness and recovery occurred before the siege of Jerusalem. When he humbled himself, the consequences of revealing everything to the Babylonians did not affect the kingdom of Judah until after the death of Hezekiah. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the test of success and wealth. "Riches and honor," "substance very much," and prosperity are good when they are spiritual and used for the purposes for which God has entrusted them to us. Hezekiah was known for his "goodness." Kindness is never out of style and demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit. Flattery and soliciting favor from others can be stumbling blocks just ahead for every successful servant of God. We recognize our enemies when there is opposition, but we don't see them when subtle flattery tries to lure us.
Hezekiah was a man of honor in life and was honored both during his lifetime and after his death. Although he failed in certain ways and the Lord tested him so he could recognize his own weakness and frailty, the people of his kingdom buried him in the "chiefest" tomb and "honored" him when they remembered him. He deserved the respect shown to him by the Lord's people. Failure happens even to the best of God's servants. However, it is vital to give credit where it is due and honor those who deserve it.
The tests in life that come from God are meant to reveal the true nature of our character and commitment. Self-confidence and self-esteem are not inherently wrong, but these attitudes can lead us to take credit for our achievements, abilities, and successes instead of giving God the honor and glory for what He accomplishes through us. God is determined to humble the proud and exalt the humble. We must remind ourselves often that maintaining continuous communication with God helps us to have an accurate view of ourselves and recognize His power and grace in our lives.
In every work. “Is it good?” is a fundamental question to ask before taking action. It should bring blessings to God and others, rather than causing distractions. Good works are needed as a testimony that God’s people are doing what is right. Good words are important, for people need to understand the difference between darkness and light. Good thoughts are necessary because they lead to actions and words used to explain what God’s intention is when we labor and give, so that others might believe in His name.
“Is it right?” is a valid question to ask when making decisions. It should be on our minds when we work, travel, or conduct our business. Covetousness can rear its ugly head when opportunities appear—when we see the chance for success or to claim some worldly prize. But God observes, and so do many others who do not know the Lord. Their perception of God will be influenced by me, especially if I conduct myself ethically in my business dealings.
“Is it true?” affects many because numerous half-truths have hindered what God intends. Lying to another, even if it seems insignificant, can have very serious consequences. People have the right to expect that someone who is saved can be trusted to tell the truth. A man’s message is worthless if people believe his word has little value. Sometimes, a simple word at the right moment can bring great benefit. There can be great value if my word is trusted and others rely on it.
When we do what God has called us to do with our heart, there is a sense of reality. In every work we undertake, others have a right to see that we mean what we say and that we do our work with our heart as if we're working for the Lord. The day is coming when life’s labor is finished, and then we’ll receive the reward for not holding back, even when we lack the skills that others possess. God blesses those who use the spiritual gifts He has given.