“After Hezekiah had faithfully carried out this work, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, giving orders for his army to break through their walls." NLT”
2 Chr.32.1
Discussion
Hezekiah was one of the great Kings of Judah. He is one proof that you can come from a bad background and still turn out good. We may not be able to choose our past, but we very well have the power to create a desirable future by the actions we take today. Hezekiah's father was Ahaz. He did the abominable in Judah and served foreign idols. Hezekiah became king at age 25 after the disgraceful death of his father. Hezekiah immediately began with new and godly reforms. He turned the nation right back to God. He did so well that the entire nation prospered in the worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah was faithful. Yet, Sennacherib, the mighty king of Assyria came against Hezekiah and laid siege to Judah. This seems like an unfair reward for doing good. This is why some people ask "why do bad things happen to good people?" In that case, you should also ask this; "why do good things happen to bad people?" This question presupposes that the inquirer knows the hearts of men and can tell who a good or bad person is. Not true. Only God sees men's hearts and judges righteously. Some bad actions come from a good heart with a bad past, while some good actions come from a bad heart with an evil motive. God is faithful but we live in a fallen world. Therefore, in this world, we will all experience tribulations. Trusting in God is what makes the difference. You may live right and do righteously, only for all hell to break loose against you. Do what Hezekiah did when Sennacherib came against him. He trusted in the Lord and the rest is history. Don't let a bad experience make you look back and turn away from God. Don't look back! Look ahead! God is leading you. Keep your gaze upon Him and He will direct your part. God is able to make an unpleasant experience work in your favour, and He will. Shalom Uvracha!
Meditation
2 Chr.32.8 — He may have a great army, but they are just men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!" These words greatly encouraged the people." NLT