The story of Ahaz reminds us that much is riding on our response when the outlook is difficult. Will it be fear or will it be faith?
3 min read
Ahaz served as the king of Judah, the southern half of the divided kingdom of Israel. He wasn't a standout by any means. He didn't do a great job. In fact, he was bad.
But even so, there's a scene from the life of Ahaz that you may find interesting and helpful. If you are struggling with anxiety about how things are going to work out for you down the road, consider this part of his story.
Bad News
Ahaz woke up one day to news that his neighbors to the north and to the east were marching against him. It was two against one.
Naturally, this created a lot of anxiety for Ahaz. He felt outnumbered. He felt vulnerable. He felt exposed. He felt a sense of dread.
Can you relate?
But God sent a messenger to Ahaz by the name of Isaiah to help ease the fear. Isaiah gave some specifics as to why the threats from his bully-neighbors were just idle threats, but then Isaiah told Ahaz and his people something else, something that applies to all of us.
Speaking through Isaiah, God gave Ahaz, and anyone else listening, the truth about about faith. He said,
"...If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.".
Isaiah 7:9
While the statement is slightly convicting, it is also highly encouraging. It reminds us that even in the face of very daunting circumstances, we can and should trust God. But it is also a clear statement on why faith in God is the best option at all times.
You see, faith is the very foundation of our hope and love. Love is the greatest of Christian virtues, but faith is first and foremost in that sacred sequence...faith, hope, and love. This means if our faith is compromised, everything that is supposed to follow may not follow.
Maybe this is why the enemy attacks our faith so aggressively?
Leaning Into the Known
Based on the Lord's presence with us and his promise to never leave us, we can stand up straight today with a posture of faith. We need not be paralyzed by the potential threats and worst-case scenarios. By leaning into what we know to be true of God, we can also lean into life with all of its twists and turns.
Personally, this post is timely because I have a couple of situations in front of me that make me a little nervous when I think about them. How about you? Something formidable in front of you? If so, may you remember what God said to Ahaz: If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.
It's a new day with God. Run with it.
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