The story of King Hezekiah and King Sennacherib of Assyria always brings to mind a crossroads that the people of Israel faced, and frankly, one that all of us Christians bump into sooner or later. It’s the big question: Who are we going to believe? Who’s telling the truth?

Let’s set the scene:

The people of Israel were surrounded. Not by a handful of grumpy neighbors, but by the mighty armies of Assyria. We’re talking an estimated 185,000 soldiers, ready to wipe them out. King Hezekiah, brave man that he was, spoke to his people, and what he said sounds a lot like a good church message when we’re in a bind:

“«Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! The king may have a great army, but they are only men. With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!» Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.” (2 Chronicles 32:7–8, NLT)

Doesn’t that sound familiar? We’re going through tough times, we head to church, hear a powerful message dripping with the truth of God’s Word, and we leave feeling pumped, convinced that everything’s going to be okay.

But then… here comes King Sennacherib of Assyria. He steps onto the stage, speaking of human realities and cold, hard statistics, with one specific goal: to inject fear straight into their hearts.

“«This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says: “On what are you basing your confidence that makes you think you can survive my siege of Jerusalem? Hezekiah has told you: ‘The Lord our God will rescue us from the king of Assyria.’ Hezekiah is misleading you, dooming you to die of hunger and thirst! Don’t you realize that Hezekiah himself destroyed all the Lord’s shrines and altars? He commanded Judah and Jerusalem to worship only at the altar of the Temple and to offer sacrifices only on it.

»Surely you realize what I and the other kings of Assyria before me have done to all the peoples of the earth! Were the gods of those nations able to rescue their people from my power? Which of their gods was able to rescue his people from the destructive power of my ancestors? What makes you think your God can rescue you from me? Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you! Don’t let him delude you like that! I repeat: no god of any nation or kingdom has ever been able to rescue his people from me or my ancestors. How much less will your God be able to rescue you from my power!”»” (2 Chronicles 32:10–15, NLT)

So, what would the people of Israel do? What have you done when you’ve faced a similar crossroads?

When adversities hit, the enemy of our souls is quick to bombard us with twisted thoughts. These thoughts are designed to make our faith wobble. They can be cleverly disguised as “reality” from a human point of view, but they are miles away from being the final word for those who follow Jesus.

When Hezekiah heard what Sennacherib was spouting, he didn’t even bother to respond or try to argue his point. Nope. What did he do? He went straight to God in prayer. And God, in His magnificent way, took over. He glorified Himself by wiping out the Assyrian army and sending their king running for his life.

When you decide to live your life by God’s Word, many things will seem senseless in the eyes of the world. And critiques or even sneers will surely come. Don’t even worry about defending yourself or defending God. Just seek the Creator in prayer, and let Him fight your battles.