Vol.5, No. 24 – June 28, 2020
Leadership in a Time of Crisis — 2 Chronicles 32:1
After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came, and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself. –2 Chronicles 32:1
It seems so unfair of God to allow negative events to come into our lives, when we make such an effort to proclaim Him, and to follow after Him.
Hezekiah, after all he faithfully did, experiences the harsh presence of the enemy. That does not seem fair! Hezekiah was busy cleaning up Judah (beginning single-handedly). He works wholeheartedly. He seeks the Lord obediently. What does he get for all this effort? The king of Assyria attacks. Nuts.
Faithfulness should result in positive reward, should it not? Loyalty should bring blessings, should it not? The outcome of dedication should result in the enjoyment of great stuff, should it not? Well . . . ?
How often do we find ourselves in this position, like Hezekiah? We are just going along in life, being faithful to the Lord, and along comes an invading force of problems. The tensions and stress have us under siege. The battle remains near as we face the opposition.
Here is the true test of leadership, for the following leader after God. Does Hezekiah whine about his problems? Does he pout that God is not doing what he expects He would do? Does he complain about the unjust situation? Does he mumble?
No.
However, we think that things ought to be different for us, do we not? Yes!
What we get here is a delightful exercise in positive godly leadership and individual response:
- Hezekiah consults with his team (32:3). He does not try to go it alone. He pulls his key people together. There is an outcome! These who surround Hezekiah, following his seeking their counsel, help him face the problem.
- Hezekiah works hard to do what he can (32:5). He does not become passive in the face of trouble, he does not play the victim, and he does not lose faith. He prepares thoroughly. There is an outcome! A reinforced defense.
- Hezekiah encourages the nation (32:6). He does not rely on his own strength; instead, he points the nation to the overwhelming strength of the Lord God. There is an outcome! They gain the confidence God wants them to possess.
Life Application
When life throws us a curve, consult with others, work hard to do what you can, and be an encouragement to all concerned. There are others watching you, waiting on your response to the experience you have in life. A rope of three strands is effective.
What people see in a godly person prepares them for life encounters, pointing them in the right direction.
We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the Gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are destined for this. –1 Thessalonians 3:2-3
Leadership in a time of crisis is always available—if we would but ask our Almighty God!
