‘“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.’ 2 Chronicles 32:7-8(NLT)
‘Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. ‘ Hebrews 11:1(NLT)
‘And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders 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.’ 2 Chronicles 32:21(NLT)
‘The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.’ Proverbs 18:21(NLT)
‘Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.’ Proverbs 16:24(NLT)
‘“In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees.’ Job 4:3-4(NLT)
‘Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. ‘ 1 Timothy 1:18-19(NLT)
“‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV).
King Hezekiah spoke these things to the people of Israel at a time when the king of Assyria was threatening to destroy the city of Jerusalem. Hezekiah spoke his words in faith, not knowing how things would turn out. Remember, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Though the king may have had his own concerns, he did not let the people see it. He spoke words of courage into their spirit and it says the people gained confidence through these words.
God did His part in defending Israel. “And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace” (2 Chronicles 32:21 NIV). Hezekiah’s words of faith were heard and honored by the Lord.
Whether you are a mom or a CEO, your words carry weight. Your words can infuse the same hope and confidence into people that Hezekiah’s did. Solomon said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Are you speaking life into those around you? You may be the only one who can speak hope into some otherwise hopeless situation that someone is facing today. Remember, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
“Surely you have instructed many, and you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees” (Job 4:3-4). Never underestimate the power of your words.
Lord, I speak strength and courage into (insert your name here). As You helped Hezekiah and the Israelites, may You also help him/her fight their battles today. He/she will “fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:18-19 NIV).
Prayer: Today, my faith will triumph over my fear. Help me Lord to always be cognizant that my words carry weight with those around me. May my words put courage into people so they can be inspired to do great things. In Jesus name, Amen.
from Fear Not! A Journey From Fear To Freedom (Part 2)