Summary: Dealing With Adversity

LET GOD READ YOUR MAIL

II Kings 18:4-8 – King Hezekiah was a righteous man, but like all righteous men and women…they will suffer affliction.

Point #1 – Hezekiah obey God’s initial command, he:

1. Tore down high places (some things MUST GO)

2. Cut down the groves and broke images (idols)

3. Destroyed the brass serpent (past glory)

4. Trusted God

5. Clave to God

6. He followed God

Point#2 – Hezekiah’s actions made the enemy mad. When you stand up for truth and righteousness, someone will get mad. Sennecareb the Syrian leader wanted to take not only Israel, but Judah as well.

Point #3 – The enemy verbally assaulted Hezekiah and Judah. (Remember Goliath) Satan uses words to bring about fear. Remember faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word…well, Fear comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of fear and doubt. Have you ever noticed that when you are about to do a work for God, someone always tries to cast doubt on the project. This is what the Syrians did to Hezekiah.

Point#4 – Hezekiah panicked initially and tried to appease the enemy. He gave them gold from the House of God. You cannot barter or deal with the powers of darkness. The Syrians sent a threatening letter as a response to Hezekiah’s gesture. The letter warned the Jews not to trust the God of Hezekiah, but to surrender or be defiled and defeated.

Point#5 – From a militaristic standpoint the people of Judah didn’t stand a chance. The Syrian army out numbered the Israelites. Hezekiah took this letter and spread it on the altar…and let God read his mail. We can learn a lot from this great king. Hezekiah knew that from a natural standpoint it was hopeless. Only a miracle would do. Do you need a miracle? LET GOD READ YOUR MAIL!

Conclusion:

We must always remember that a natural solution, is no solution at all. God specializes in the impossible.