He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: "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 32:6-8 NIV
Yesterday we saw that when Hezekiah faced a major trial he refused to give up, but instead he went hard to work attempting to solve it. Today we see a second aspect of Hezekiah's plan to counter this storm in his life. When Hezekiah saw Sennacherib's vast army, and he sensed the fear which would be in the hearts of those around him, he began to encourage the people. The people were prepared for battle, not because of their own abilities, but because Hezekiah was prepared. Hezekiah was acting on faith, trusting that God was more powerful than Sennacherib.
As you face trials in your own life, do the people around you see you running in fear, or holding on by faith? Do the storms of life draw you closer to the Lord or farther in the trap of worry? Do you see God as big enough to meet your needs? Can you actually encourage others in their faith, because you have turned your cares over to the Lord?
Did Hezekiah go blindly into battle? Absolutely not. He was hard at work, doing what he knew best to do as king. We saw that yesterday. Hezekiah, however, knew that the real victory in battle would not come from his abilities, or from his strength, or even the vastness of his army. Hezekiah knew that the real victory in his life would come through the power God would express through him. Hezekiah knew that there was far more strength in God, than any army Sennacherib could ever muster.
You may be thinking, "Ron, you don't know the size of the trial in my life." And you know what? You are right. I don't know the magnitude of what you are going through. And, you don't know the size of my trials either. What I do know, however, is that my God is bigger than any trial you and I could have! I do know my God can save you and me from our trials. I do know God is able to make all grace abound to us, so that whether we have plenty, or we have little, victory can be won!
Finally, does someone you know need encouraging today? Hezekiah knew some people needed his encouragement. Perhaps you could be a Hezekiah today. Remind someone, and maybe that someone is you, that our God is bigger than any problem we will face today!
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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