Success on Every Side of the Battle

Equipping

Oct 11

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“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib King of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself. ”

— 2 Chronicles 32:1

I love Octobers. Pumpkin Spiced everything, cozy blankets and pillows, pumpkins, mums and scented candles!

In the south, Octobers tend to be one of the best months! After months of blistering heat, humidity and hurricanes, October brings much respite to our weathered lives. The days are clear, the air is a bit crisper and it’s just easier to breathe.

Our plans on this first Monday of October were to head to the zoo with friends for the day. The picnic basket was packed with sandwiches and fruit and waters, the retelling of “remember when’s” had already begun… “Remember when the elephant threw dust at us? Remember when the chimpanzee put his hand on the window…” The excitement and wonder of creation was brewing. The kids were in the car, I grabbed my sunglasses, phone and with my mask in hand about to head out the door, my husband comes down from his office and shares an issue he was facing at work.

You’ve been there before…sucker punched.

A deal falls through.
Something fails.
A hope comes crashing.
Broken, fear filled, painful, heart stricken.
The blue October sky turned bleak.

My son comes in to hurry me as I stand, struck hard. I wasn’t prepared for this blow. I didn’t realize a battle was ensuing. I forgot that battles were never ending. I kiss my husband, ask if he is good and he reassuringly says he’s not worried and that it will all work out. I trust Him. I can’t disappoint my kids, I have to keep going, so I grab the keys and go.

To the zoo. On a beautiful October day. Heartbroken.

Hezekiah was a faithful king. He tore down the high places, he sacrificed and gave offerings to God. He gave God all the glory and he was faithful to the faithful one. In 2 Chronicles 32:30 it says that, “he succeeded in everything he did.”

But the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, whose name means “sin multiplied brothers,” came into Jerusalem to invade, lay siege and conquer.

As I drove towards the zoo, I battled within. I couldn’t allow hurt and fear to steal the day for my children’s sake (which honestly is difficult for me because my feelings sometimes like to take over). The enemy, “sin multiplied,” came into my life in that moment and was trying to invade, lay siege and conquer me, my day, my time with my children and friends, everything.

John 10:10 states, “…the enemy comes to steal, to kill and to destroy.” He had invaded, he came into my home and my heart in order to strike us down. He lay siege with every “intention to conquer,” and to “steal, kill and destroy.” To conquer in 2 Chronicles 32:1 means “to break or rip open, to cut out and to divide.” His intention was to break me, to cut out any trust, to divide my mind. The enemy assaulted my day and my heart. His plan of attack has never changed and it is always done so stealthily, isn’t it? My heart cried out like so many broken hearted before me, “How long Lord?”(Ps. 94:3) How long must we battle? How can we keep forgiving? How do we wait? How do we trust?

Hezekiah fought back against the invasion of the enemy by blocking the springs and shutting off the water supply to the enemy. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” v4. Then they repaired the broken sections of the walls, built towers and more walls and reinforced with weapons and shields.

I was resolved not to be a victim. The enemy was trying to steal from me. He was after my joy, peace, the day with my children. Love. Wonder. A glorious day. The day that the Lord had made in which I could rejoice and be glad in (Ps. 118:24).

I identified what he intended to steal.
I fought to keep what the Lord had already won.
I fought for joy. I fought for wonder. I loved. At the end of the day, I rejoiced and gave Him all the glory.

How many times have I given the enemy fuel? How many times have I allowed him to dictate my actions, emotions, feelings and faith.

When the enemy assaults us and threatens to steal, kill and destroy us, let us not allow him any fuel! And more so, let us build up our defense, for who is our defender? It is Christ Jesus! We have Victory in Jesus! He is our fortress, our strong tower, our refuge and strength. He is our shield and present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:7, 1; Proverbs 18:10).

When in battle, surrender your plans and heart to your defender.
When conflict arises, move toward peace.
When daily struggles complicate and create havoc, move toward the God of order and harmony.
When the enemy assaults your day, life and year, retreat and withdraw into his presence.

“So the Lord saved him and the people...He took care of them on every side,” Chronicles 32:22.

I love Octobers.

The clear blue skies and sun filled days remind me of God’s great love and faithfulness.

He takes care of us on every side of the battle. He is victorious Always.