April 30

Arm of Flesh

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.  ––2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Enemies all around. A gut-check moment for the kingdom of Judah. Up steps King Hezekiah to rally his troops, supported by his key prophet, Isaiah. That doesn’t stop the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, from launching a propaganda campaign, speaking to the Hebrews in their own language. We are familiar with his words, which are spoken by all tyrants: “My army is larger. My ways are better. Bow down to me and I will reward you.” Lies rejected by God’s people.

Hezekiah and Isaiah cry out to the Lord, and here’s what happens: God sends an angel to wipe out the officers in the Assyrian camp, and it says that Sennacherib turned tail for home and that when he “went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword” (2 Chronicles 2:21).

Man of God, you do not need to rely on an arm of flesh, which is what the world offers. You can depend on the Lord your God to help you fight your battles. We’ve all faced problems with our arms of flesh—it’s exhausting, frustrating, and ultimately, unproductive. Sure, by sheer force of will we can win some of life’s battles. But living in your own power is as insane as trying to push a boulder up a hill by yourself. What God offers is help and hope in the battle—His Spirit, rather than arms of flesh.

Don’t fight life’s daily battles—large and small—by yourself. The Father is waiting for you to ask for help and to provide it when you need it. Does it mean the battle will be easy? No. But it does mean that in the midst of the storm, He will be there to guide and help you.

Lord, I’m tired of fighting life’s battles on my own. I bring them before Your altar today and lay them down. In You is victory, Lord.