God Ever-ruling and Over-ruling

This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning (Sennacherib) ... 'Because you have raged against me and your arrogance has come into my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.' (II Kings 19:21, 28)

II Kings 19; Deut. 4:39; 1 Chr. 29:10-13; Ps. 135:5-6; Dan 2:20-21; 1 Tim. 1:17

What Is God Saying?

Sennacherib was nearing the end of his life. Filled with hatred and a desire for revenge, he was unaware of the predicament to which his assault on Jerusalem had brought him. Hezekiah, fortified by prayer and the wise counsel of Isaiah, stood his ground. Against enormous odds, he held the city. He chose to believe the word of the Lord through Isaiah, that in attacking the people of God, Sennacherib was signing his death warrant. Isaiah sent a message to Hezekiah in which we find our key verse today. It is a dramatic scene. Hezekiah praying, Isaiah prophesying, Jerusalem's inhabitants trapped, an enemy waiting at the gate, and on Israel's side, not confined or restrained by any city's walls — God over-ruling, God in control. ‘That night, the angel of the Lord went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. (2 Kings 19:35). Then, having limped back to Nineveh, Sennacherib, while worshiping his god, was murdered by his sons. God ever rules, and God over-rules.

How Does This Apply To Us?

Other enemies may be camping at the gates of our lives, laying siege to our hearts. They may cause us great alarm, as at times we feel outnumbered and defenseless. We don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against all the flaming darts of the evil one. We come to prayer with the confidence that the same God who ‘put a hook in the nose and a bit in the mouth of Sennacherib’ is with us today.

Pray With Me

Holy One of Israel, You are the ever-ruling and over-ruling God. Fill my mind with the knowledge and my heart with the trust that You are causing all things to work together for good. A hook leads a beast by its nose. In the same way, you can subdue the pride of unbelief. You can lead into captivity all who would enslave your people and cause them shame.

Please help me understand that you not only exercise this power over those outside, but also over those within. When I am proud and self-important, when hatred, anger, and envy lead me to acts I regret, when unbelief sits on my spirit, come, Lord of hosts. Say that one word, shed that beam of light, and peace will be restored. By Your grace and under Your authority, I will control and not be controlled. I will turn and not be turned.

I claim the victory in the name of Him who tamed raging seas and drove out demons. Let my heart be His throne. Let my hands be His tools. Let my feet move without fear or hesitation where He directs. Grant it, merciful and mighty God, for the glory of your Son, for He is Your living answer to our haunting fears and over all that opposes the will of God.

In His great and wonderful name. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Hezekiah prayed fervently. He also listened to the advice of Isaiah. He heard the Word of the Lord. He chose to believe it even in the face of overwhelming opposition. He listened to the word and he prayed to the Lord. There is no better pattern for effective prayer.