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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

GOD GIVES! Vol 8 No 39

October 20, 2009

Dear Friend,

Life is going smoothly along.  You are faithfully involved in worship and in the spiritual practices of the faith.  And you run into a brick wall.  What gives?

 

At the end of 2 Chronicles 31 we learn that Hezekiah faithfully served the Lord and that he prospered.  Then in chapter 32 we read, “After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.”

2 Chronicles 32:1*  Hezekiah is faithful and hits a brick wall.

 

Josiah, Hezekiah’s great grandson, was equally devout and led his people in a fabulous celebration of the Passover.  We read of him, “After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.”  2 Chronicles 35:20  Josiah is faithful and hits a brick wall too!

 

In both cases we read the phrase, “after all that” or “after all this” referring to the faithfulness of Hezekiah and Josiah.

 

What gives?  It’s actually very simple.  We live in a fallen world and tough things happen.  The wonderful news is that our good Lord is with us in our prosperity and in our pain.  No matter what is happening in your life you can know the immediate presence of our Lord who never forsakes you.

 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 What gives (or Who gives)?  God gives us his presence, help and hope!

 

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2a.

 

With joy - E. Stanley Ott

 

 

Copyright 2009 E. Stanley Ott           

*Scripture from the NIV