Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a big ‘ole mess? Like there was no way to get out of it?

As I was going through a bible study, I came across the story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. (2 Chronicles 31-32). In case you’re not familiar with this study, let me get you to speed. Hezekiah is king of Judah and has a heart for God. He has implemented reforms in the kingdom and is working to make Judah the kingdom God wants it to be. Enter Sennacherib. He is king of Assyria, one of the most powerful empires in the world at this time. Sennacherib wants to invade and capture Judah. However, Hezekiah hears about it ahead of time and begins preparations in Jerusalem for the impending attack. He cuts off the streams flowing outside the city because he does not want the Assyrians to benefit from them. He repairs the broken walls and towers of Jerusalem, and even builds a new one. He appoints military officers to the people, and assembles them together for a public address. In this address he lets the people know what is coming for them, and he also reminds them of who is truly taking care of them, God, not Hezekiah.

I am familiar with this story, but this time God opened my eyes to something new. If you read the account again you’ll notice a few things.

• The impending attack was not a surprise. Hezekiah recognized the warning signs.
• He cut off the streams which would feed the enemy.
• He rebuilt his defenses and added some more.
• He appointed leaders for his people to go to.
• He gathered his people together.
• He told them what was coming.
• He reminded them of who was taking care of them

Shouldn’t we use this same method when the enemy attacks us today? Think about it. If you break it down it makes perfect sense.

First, we have to be in a right relationship with God, this includes talking to Him and listening for His answers. Then once we recognize the signs we need to fortify ourselves. How can we do that? Worship him with music and song. Read our Bibles. Pray.

Second, we need to find the things in our lives that feed the enemy and his attacks to cut them off completely.

Third, find our broken defenses and rebuild them. How do we do this?  We need to pray and ask God to reveal those things to us. And then we need to work on them.

Fourth, he appointed leaders for the people to answer to.  We need people we can go to who are wise and discerning. People you know have a close relationship with God. In short, we need a mentor to help guide us. If you don’t have one, pray God would show you who He would have fill that role for you, and reveal it in His time.

Fifth, he assembled the people together. We were made for fellowship. Don’t forget that. God did not intend for us to be alone. Find some Christ followers somewhere and join with them.

Sixth, Hezekiah was honest with the people and told them what was coming. God will always be honest with us. He can not lie.

Lastly, he reminded the people of who they were, God’s Chosen People. He reminded them of who they ultimately put their faith in, the God of the universe, Jehovah. He is the only one who can and will protect us.

Remember, the attacks are going to come. You can’t live in this world and be a part of Him without them. He has called us out. We are to be a peculiar people. How can that effectively be shown if we don’t meet adversity? But He will show us. He will provide a way for us to stand up under it. He will.