July 21, 2015: SOAP #2056:

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 32:6 He [King Hezekiah] appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

Observation: When Hezekiah had become king, he turned the nation from worshipping idols back to worshipping and serving the One True God. Now that major trouble was confronting them, Hezekiah could stand and encourage the people in the Lord. There was a big difference between the number of soldiers with the King of Assyria and those with King Hezekiah. But that was not the major difference. With King Hezekiah was the LORD God. That was the MAJOR DIFFERENCE! An angel of the Lord wiped out the Assyrian army!

Application: Do I really know Who is with me? Sometimes I need to be reminded. Sometimes I need to remind others. (1John 4:4) The One with me is without comparison in the world. He is the Greater One!

Prayer: Lord, you are greater than anything I face today—or will ever face in the future! I am glad to be on Your side! Amen