The Strength in Numbers: Trusting God Amidst Fear
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:" - 2 Chronicles 32:7
In the turmoil of life, we often find ourselves facing overwhelming odds. Whether it’s a daunting task at work, a health crisis, or spiritual warfare, the challenges can leave us feeling weak and fearful. Today, let us turn our hearts to 2 Chronicles 32:7 which states, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him."
This verse finds its roots in a pivotal moment in the history of Israel when King Hezekiah was confronted by the powerful Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib. This army was known for its brutality and had already conquered several fortified cities of Judah. When Sennacherib sent messengers to Jerusalem to intimidate the people, the atmosphere was thick with fear and despair. It was here that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by God, delivered a message of hope and reassurance to the people of Judah through King Hezekiah.
When we are told to be strong and courageous, it is not merely a call to muster internal fortitude. Rather, it is a profound reminder of where our strength truly lies. Courage in the face of adversity can often feel like an insurmountable task, particularly when what we see before us is larger than life. But God calls us to redirect our focus from the physical trials to spiritual realities. This act of focusing on God equips us with the ability to rise above our circumstances and find peace and strength in Him.
The commands "be not afraid nor dismayed" highlight the tendency of the human heart to succumb to fear. Fear often distorts our perception, causing us to underestimate our capabilities and the presence of God among us. King Hezekiah’s assurance was not to deny the situation with the Assyrian threat but rather to put it into perspective. We too must remember that fear can either paralyze us or propel us closer to God, depending on how we respond.
The phrase, "for there be more with us than with him," is a powerful truth that we must cling to in times of crisis. This declaration does not merely point to numbers but emphasizes the spiritual resources at our disposal. In the kingdom of God, our assets are not quantified by human logic or statistics. The presence of the Almighty God and His heavenly hosts far outweighs any earthly opposition we might face. God, our heavenly Commander, stands against every force of darkness that threatens us.
As believers, it is essential to remember our spiritual heritage. We are part of a lineage that has faced trials far greater than we can imagine, yet they persevered by faith. From David facing Goliath to Daniel in the lion’s den, these figures remind us that God’s might surpasses all that stands against us. We should draw strength from these examples, knowing that the same God who delivered them is with us today.
Moreover, we are called to surround ourselves with the body of Christ. In difficult times, let us be the encouragement for one another: reminding each other of God’s promises, uplifting during moments of discouragement, and praying fervently. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
In conclusion, as you navigate through your personal challenges, remember Hezekiah’s prayer and God’s response. Allow His words to resonate in your heart: "Be strong and courageous." Stand firm in faith, knowing that with God on your side, the resources at your disposal are limitless. Let His presence overshadow your fears as you declare victory over the trials ahead. In God, there are always more with us than against us.
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2 Chronicles 32:7 - "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:"
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:" - 2 Chronicles 32:7
1 Chronicles 7:32 - "And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister."
2 Chronicles 32:2 - "And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,"
2 Chronicles 32:32 - "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
1 Chronicles 2:32 - "And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children."
"And Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister." - 1 Chronicles 7:32
2 Chronicles 32:16 - "And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah."
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
2 Chronicles 20:32 - "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:19 - "And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man."
2 Chronicles 32:10 - "Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?"
2 Chronicles 18:32 - "For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him."
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
2 Chronicles 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 32:29 - "Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much."
2 Chronicles 32:24 - "¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign."
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
2 Chronicles 32:6 - "And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,"
2 Chronicles 32:18 - "Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city."
2 Chronicles 32:3 - "He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him."
2 Chronicles 32:1 - "After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself."
2 Chronicles 32:23 - "And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth."
"And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem," - 2 Chronicles 32:2
2 Chronicles 29:32 - "And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:25 - "But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 32:22 - "Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side."
2 Chronicles 32:30 - "This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works."