Ii Kings 19:14
When faced with a situation that's more than we can handle, we should turn to the Lord for help and deliverance.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of overwhelming stress and pressure, as exemplified by King Hezekiah's response to the threatening letter from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Hezekiah, faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem, chose to lay his burdens before the Lord, acknowledging both God's sovereignty and the reality of his dire situation. Through prayer, Hezekiah sought God's help, which led to divine intervention and deliverance from the Assyrian threat. Smith encourages listeners to recognize where they turn for help in their own crises, highlighting that true relief comes from God alone. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder of God's ability to save and protect those who trust in Him.
Text
Intro: Our lives are filled with stress and pressure situations, we learn
to adjust and live with it. There invariably comes that time when
the situation is more than we can handle and we must reach out
beyond ourselves.
I. HEZEKIAH'S PROBLEM THE THREATENING LETTER OF SENNACHERIE KING OF
ASSYRIA.
A. He threatened to invade and destroy.
1. The Assyrians had conquered every nation they faced
even stronger nations.
2. Assyria was very cruel.
a. History records mass suicides.
B. He discouraged them trusting in God for help.
1. He pointed out the ineptness of the other nations'
gods against his military might.
C. It was like having a big bully telling you how many ways he
was going to beat your face in.
II. HEZEKIAH TURNED TO THE LORD FOR HELP.
A. He went into the house of the Lord and spread out the letter
before Him.
1. He placed the whole scene in God's hands.
a. "Cast all your cares upon Him,..."
b. He wants you to come today with your heavy
heart, your problem.
c. How do you know but what God has not allowed
these things to turn you to Him.
B. Hezekiah's Prayer.
1. Acknowledged truth about God.
a. Only true God
b. Created universe. (see problem in right
perspective..
2. Asked God to look at letter.
a. Look what he is saying about you.
3. Acknowledged truth about situation.
a. Assyrians are tough.
b. Have defeated everybody else.
c. Have destroyed other gods.
4. Asked God's help and deliverance.
C. Where we turn for help in time of need is vital.
1. Some reach out to the bottle.
a. Booze.
b. Pills.
c. Neither solves the problem but usually
compounds it.
2. Many reach out to friends.
a. You can sure discover who they are.
b. Often all they can give is sympathy.
c. They can share in the despair.
IV. THE RESULT OF TURNING TO THE LORD.
A. The Lord sent Hezekiah a message via the prophet Isaiah.
1. I have heard your prayer.
2. God dictated a reply to the letter.
3. God promised to defend the city and save it.
B. God's deliverance.
1. That night the angel smote the camp of the
Assyrians killing 185,000.
2. The king fled back to Assyria where he was
assassinated.
C. How different the story could have been.
Sermon Outline
- 'Hezekiah''s Problem: The Threatening Letter of Sennacherie King of Assyria' points: - The Assyrians had conquered every nation they faced - Hezekiah was discouraged by the Assyrian's military might - The Assyrian king was like a big bully
- Hezekiah Turned to the Lord for Help points: - Hezekiah placed the letter before God and prayed - Hezekiah's prayer acknowledged God's truth and power - Hezekiah asked God for help and deliverance
- The Result of Turning to the Lord points: - God sent Hezekiah a message via the prophet Isaiah - God promised to defend the city and save it - God's deliverance came in the form of an angel smiting the Assyrian camp
Key Quotes
“Cast all your cares upon Him,...” — Chuck Smith
“He wants you to come today with your heavy heart, your problem.” — Chuck Smith
“How do you know but what God has not allowed these things to turn you to Him.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- When faced with a difficult situation, turn to the Lord for help and deliverance.
- Acknowledge God's truth and power, and ask Him for help and deliverance.
- Don't reach out to the bottle, booze, or pills, but instead turn to the Lord for true deliverance.