We have become a society that wants and expects answers at our fingertips.  With the push of a button we can diagnose ourselves by plugging in our symptoms to WebMD.  We can Google and find the answer to just about any question we may have.  There is a YouTube video available with instructions for just about anything you need to accomplish; from the smallest of tasks to disassembling an engine and putting it back together.  We can hear any song we want at the push of a button and a message from any pastor or motivational speaker.  The problem with this technological advancement of instant information and gratification?  We have forgotten how to trust in, and wait on, the Lord.  There is no power in Google or YouTube.  Only knowledge.  Knowledge is good, but knowledge without prayer carries no power.  It is not going to move mountains, change lives and alter a destiny.

In 2 Chronicles we read about King Hezekiah.  He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done.  He wiped out the pagan shrines and altars and restored God’s temple.  He set things back in order to lead his people to worship God the Father.  In Chapter 32: 5-8 we read “Then Hezekiah worked hard at repairing all the broken sections of the wall, erecting towers, and constructing a second wall outside the first. He also reinforced the supporting terraces in the city of David and manufactured large numbers of weapons and shields.  He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate.  Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: “Be strong and courageous!  Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!  He may have a great army, but they are merely men.  We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”  Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.

We should be like Hezekiah.  We should put on the full armor of God – ready for battle. The Helmet of Salvation, Shield of Faith, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth and Gospel of Peace.  We should fortify the walls around our family by attending church and building a strong foundation.  And then, when the battles come, we need to just PRAY and watch God’s power fight the battle for us!

Read on to the best part of the story between Hezekiah and the King of Assyria. After the King of Assyria sent letters to Hezekiah mocking him and his God, threatening total annihilation like he had done to other nations,  in Chapter 32:20 – 21 we read “Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven. And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army wth all its commaders and officers.  So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land.  And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with a sword.”  What!?  What!?  How awesome is that!  God took care of it all.

Hezekiah had knowledge of what was needed to protect a city, and he made those efforts should this be a battle God intended for them to physically fight.  But most importantly Hezekiah knew that the real power lied in prayer to God the Father.  While prepared for battle, they never had to fight!  God fought the battle for him.  The amazing thing?  God is the same.  Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.   I know this to be true.  I live in God’s peace and pride myself from disassociating with drama.  I got a text early one morning a couple weeks ago from someone that was totally out of the blue and threatening.  I immediately recognized this as a trick from the enemy to try and pull me out of faith and into drama through worry and fear.  Honestly, my first thought was to reach out to one of my closest friends and God quickly dropped in my heart “NO!  You turn to Me!” So instead of turning for that instant gratification of the comfort of  a friend I instead said “Not today Devil!  God, touch this heart that is obviously broken.  You say is Psalms that you will protect me under your feathers.  That you will go before me and fight my battles.  So do your thing because I don’t have time for this today!” I took a shower, got dressed, did the things that God had intended for me to do that day to be a light.  When I got home?  I had another text from that same person, apologizing.  I responded in love.  Love and Prayer – two things the devil can’t conquer!