THIS IS NOT MY MAIL

This blog was inspired by a message I heard preached this week by Bishop Fred Jackson. Toward the end of his message, he gave the example of the actions of King Hezekiah when he received a threatening letter from the Sennacherib king of Assyria in 2 Kings 19:14. After reading this undesirable letter, the king went to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord and prayed. In his prayer he first acknowledges God as creator and sovereign ruler in the earth. Then, he requested God’s attention to the words of Sennacherib. He spoke of Sennacherib’s conquest of other nations. Finally, he said, “Now, O Lord our God, please, save us from his hand so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know [without any doubt] that You alone, O Lord, are God.” Subsequently, after his prayer, God sent him a word via Isaiah the prophet that his enemy would not come into Jerusalem and conquer it, for God would defend and save it.

Most of us have experienced getting a letter incorrectly delivered to our home address. Then there are times we receive mail, but, due to its content, we wish we had not received it; this is the case of King Hezekiah. The king knew seeking outside intervention would be useless, for the arms of flesh would fail. He knew complaining to people would not resolve the issue; his answer was to take this undesirable letter to God, the ultimate fixer.

The example of King Hezekiah is one that all believers should follow. When bad news is sent to you, please take it to the one who can remedy the situation. Acknowledge God for who He is in your life and world. Since God is omniscient, he knows how you are feeling and your thoughts, so be forthcoming in sharing the problem. Let God know your problem is His problem, and you’re requesting His intervention. The mail addressed to you is being forwarded to Him because you are not accepting it. Finally put your faith into action and trust and believe God to handle this mail.