The ability of Christians to stand firm in their faith over time is often determined by their ability to maintain a good confession of faith in every circumstance and season of life. This concept is beautifully exemplified in the story of King Hezekiah, recorded in 2 Kings 18 and 2 Chronicles 29,32,37. His unwavering faith in adversity provides valuable insights into making a good confession in our faith journey.
A King's Dilemma: Hezekiah's Story
The story begins with King Hezekiah, a descendant of David, who became the ruler of Judah at age 25. Hezekiah boldly decided to serve the Lord, much like his ancestor David, bringing spiritual reforms to Judah. He removed pagan altars and idols, trusting in the God of Israel (2 Kings 18 and 2 Chronicles 29,32,37).
Things were going well in the early days of Hezekiah's reign; however, a dark cloud loomed on the horizon. The wicked King of Assyria, Sennacherib, and his mighty army had captured Samaria, a neighboring city. Then, they overtook all the fortified cities of Judah itself. Hezekiah and the people of God found themselves surrounded, outnumbered, and in deep trouble.
Suddenly, Hezekiah faced a critical decision: bow to the wicked leaders' demands or trust in God. Many scholars believe that Psalm 46 reflects the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat during Hezekiah's reign. This beautiful song provides a great example of the good confession we can apply in our lives, especially during difficult circumstances.
The Good Confession: Lessons from Psalm 46
A Good Confession is Your Declaration of Faith in Every Circumstance
The Sons of Korah sang, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling" (Psalm 46:1-3).
This confession is powerful, but if you understand the background, you know how challenging it must have been for Hezekiah. Hezekiah was confronted with a tempting threat from the Assyrian king, who mocked his trust in God. The stakes were high, and Hezekiah's confession would be tested.
2 Chronicles 32:7 records Hezekiah's good confession: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him."
2. A Good Confession Builds Your Courage in the Lord
The timing and consistency of your good confession are essential. Two key moments when a good confession of faith is crucial:
When the report you hear differs from God's promises, Isaiah 37:6 highlights the word that came to Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 37:6, Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.
When what you see differs from God's purposes, God's message to Sennacherib, recorded in Isaiah 37: 26 emphasized how God's sovereign purposes override the plans of men.
"'Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should make fortified cities crash into heaps of ruins,' I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me." Isaiah 37:26
Hezekiah's Good Confession: "...for there are more with us than with him..." This helps demonstrate his unwavering trust in God's purposes despite what he heard or saw to the contrary." 2 Chronicles 32:7b
Conclusion
Maintaining a good confession of faith in God strengthens and empowers us, providing courage, confidence, and capacity to face life's challenges and adversities. This unwavering faith transcends conflicting reports and circumstances, enabling us to trust God's sovereignty.
As Max Lucado said, "Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." Even when we can't see the whole staircase, faith allows us to take the first step, just as Hezekiah did.
Takeaways
1. A Good Confession of Faith Empowers You.
Maintaining a good confession of faith in God strengthens and empowers us, providing courage, confidence, and capacity to face life's challenges and adversities.
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." – Max Lucado
2. Faith in God Transcends Conflicting Reports and Circumstances:
When faced with conflicting reports or circumstances that seem at odds with God's promises and purposes, a strong confession of faith enables us to trust in God's sovereignty, regardless of the challenges we encounter.
Warren Wiersbe said, "God doesn't protect us just to pamper us. He shelters us so He can strengthen us to go back to life with its duties and dangers."
3. The Application of Your Faith is Key:
The lesson underscores the importance of applying our faith in practical ways. It invites us to actively seek God's strength, confidence, and courage in our daily lives and to trust in Him even when circumstances and reports may suggest otherwise.
About Pastor Bob Moya
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He is currently wrapping up his dissertation at Regent University and will graduate in the spring of 2024 with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee at Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
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