Sometimes life happens.

I purchased a new Bible the other day- I probably have, well more than my fair share. but, hey its what I do.. anyway, the copy of the Scriptures that I picked up was the NIV 2011 edition. 

Now, for most of my life I have used the NIV 1984 edition, and love it. I have most of the verses memorized in that 84 edition, but from the moment I saw this new bible I purchased it.

when I got home the first place I opened it up to was 2 Chronicles 32.

SIDE NOTE-While I do recommend you opening up your bible and reading it, I don’t recommend opening it up anywhere and reading— if you do that you’re missing out on so much.. content, context…

Anyway the verse that I opened up to is this: “ After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself.” (NIV2011)

I immediately thought to myself: “Isn’t that the way it goes! We are are faithful to God and then the bottom falls out of life. We are diligent in our Bible reading, with our service to our church, and then the wheels fall off the cart, and we are left scratching our heads.  

Sometimes life happens. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it bad.

In this case, Hezekiah was burdened at the news that Sennacherib was about to invade his space. so Hezekaih did something about it. they got to work and shut off the water supply and made plenty of weapons and appointed military leaders and got everyone together for a pep-rally and reminded them to be: “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. 8 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.” (NIV2011)

We would do well to remember these words from King Hezekiah. 

No matter what comes our way, God is bigger than it all, and He can handle whatever comes our way. 

So the next time life pins you down, go to God and remind Him that the battle belongs to Him!