Ready for the Fight

Without any doubt, Christianity is under assault in America today—indeed, throughout the world. Facing secularism on one hand and Islam on the other, Satan has led attack after attack against the Bible and the morality it represents. Whether this onslaught comes from Hollywood, the Supreme Court, or false teachers of various stripes, Christians must ready themselves for the fight with the same conviction as the apostles Paul, “appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Phil 1:17). However, conviction demands preparation—not just indignation (1 Pet. 3:15).

When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, led his troops into Judah, Hezekiah prepared himself and Jerusalem for a determined defense. Thinking ahead, he stopped any water supply that the Assyrians could use outside the city during a siege (2 Chr. 32:1-4). He then built up fortifications for protection of the city, forged weapons to use in its defense, and prepared the leadership accordingly (2 Chr. 32:5-6). Hezekiah took all these practical steps for the fight, but he did not rely on these steps for Judah’s defense. Instead, he placed his trust in the LORD and called on the people to do the same (2 Chr. 32:7-8).

The Assyrians sought to wear down the faith of God’s people, pointing out difficulties and mocking their trust in the LORD (2 Chr. 32:9-11). They treated Judah like the pagan religions with which they were so familiar and appealed to worldly evidence in their support (2 Chr. 32:12-15). They spoke loudly and often in order to frighten the people so that they might capitulate (2 Chr. 32:16-19). But all of their efforts were for nought, for the LORD delivered Hezekiah and the people of Judah, and they were rewarded in the end for their faithfulness to Him (2 Chr. 32:20-23).

We are already in the midst of a fight. The enemy has entered the country and is on the move. But this enemy does not come after our territory but after our hearts and souls. We must be ready to fight for them. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Cor 10:3–5).