Everything Works Together

Fear spread throughout Jerusalem. The mighty Assyrian army had invaded their land. With nothing standing in their way, they arrived at the walls of Jerusalem. Their spokesperson warned that defeat was inevitable. They had come to destroy the land, and even claimed to be acting with God’s blessing.

Worried about the impact of this threat, three leaders asked the spokesperson to speak in Aramaic rather than Judean. Their object was to limit the number of their countrymen who could understand these threats. But the spokesman continued to speak in the common language. He wanted everyone to hear and fear to spread.

On the surface, this seemed devastating. These threats were not made in secret, but openly, before the entire nation. Everyone knew the dangers they faced.

We can imagine the stir as word spread in Judea that King Hezekiah had fervently sought God and God had promised to deliver His people. How all the people must have celebrated when an angel killed 185,000 of these Assyrians and this once seemingly invincible army returned home, humbled. The strategies of the Assyrians had been meant to spread fear, but God used them to demonstrate His power.

The Bible encourages us to “know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)—even the threats of our enemies.

As you face problems, remember to trust God. Commit each situation and need to Him. Realize that He can turn defeat into victory. He causes all things to work together for good.