Be Silent and Watch God Move

“Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? Who of all the gods of these countries have been able to save their lands from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”

But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
— Isaiah‬ ‭36‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ (NIV)

This terrifying scene takes place during King Hezekiah’s reign. The Assyrian Empire had been on a conquering rampage through Northern Israel and much of Judah. Now, the Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem, sending a Rabshakeh (a high-ranking Assyrian official) to demoralize and intimidate the people with threats.

The people had one command from their king: Don’t respond.

Easy, right?

Yet they obeyed. The Assyrian threats fell on obedient, unwavering silence.

Where have you struggled to obey in the face of heavy pressure?

There are lessons we can take from the brave people of Jerusalem and apply to our own lives:

1. Trust God Even When You’re Outnumbered

There will be moments when you feel like the only one:

• The only one not drinking or smoking.

• The only one going home early instead of staying out late.

• The only one protecting your kids from content other parents allow.

• The only one holding to convictions in a toxic culture.

But when Yahweh is on the throne of your life, you don’t have to conform. Your life revolves around His leading—through time in the Word, worship, and the way you speak and act. You stand because He stands with you.

2. Silence in the Face of Taunts

Not every accusation needs a response. Sometimes, standing firm in faith is the best reply.

• That middle finger on the freeway.

• That mean comment online.

• That betrayal or injustice.

I had a friend (well, not a great one) who laughed at me for wanting to put John 3:16 on a golf ball. My golf game wasn’t exactly PGA-level, and I figured, since I spent time in the woods looking for my ball, why not evangelize?

I shared my idea with him, and he called me weird. He made fun of me.

Another brother gave me great advice: Is he worth your energy?

Most of what happens in life is just people using you as a trash can for their own struggles. Not every battle is yours to fight.

3. God’s Power Triumphs

Unlike the powerless gods who failed to stop the Assyrians, Yahweh actively defends His people.

Let Him defend you.

But to trust Him in battle, you need to know who He is and what He does. Are you catching the pattern? The key to becoming a powerful vessel, friend, or child of God is simple:

Time with Him.

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Never Finished Challenge

TIME WITH HIM.

Didn’t make it happen this morning? That is ok. It is not too late! Take time right now to spend time with Him.

For Your Pocket: Maybe, next time, be silent.

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What does today say about God?

There are no odds in this world that are insurmountable to the sovereign hand of God. This is His earth. We are His creation. And in His great mercy and love, we get to be part of it.

Thank you, Jesus.

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