07-19 When the Faithful Face Trials

II Chronicles 32:1-3

Key Verse: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Roman 5:3-4 (NIV)

Reflection Questions:

• What happened after King Hezekiah completed his good works?

• Why did God allow difficulties to come?

• What benefit do trials bring to God’s people?

After King Hezekiah faithfully carried out the reforms recorded in 2 Chronicles chapters 29 to 31, in the fourteenth year of his reign (2 Kings 18:13), around 701 B.C., the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, came to invade the fortified cities of Judah and aimed to attack Jerusalem.

From a human perspective, such a situation might feel very discouraging. According to Chronicles, King Hezekiah had wholeheartedly restored worship in the temple, diligently sought the Lord by obeying His laws and commands (2 Chronicles 31:20–21), and yet Judah still fell into a crisis. The Old Testament, and especially the book of Chronicles, often emphasizes that obedience to God leads to blessing and peace. However, that doesn’t mean those who follow God’s Word will never face trials or hardships.

Job was described as “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1), yet he still experienced great suffering. Even when he couldn’t understand why, he proclaimed, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). In the same way, King Hezekiah, though earnestly seeking the Lord, still faced hardship. But the trials led him to trust God even more. As a result, he boldly encouraged the people: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged” (2 Chronicles 32:7).

Following Christ doesn’t mean a life free of hardship—it means a life refined by hardship, where our faith and trust in God are strengthened. God never promised a life without trials, but He did promise His presence in the midst of them. There are times when we seek God with all our hearts—worshipping, praying, reading the Bible daily, serving faithfully—yet instead of peace, we encounter immense challenges. These may be financial, career-related, or health issues—whether personal or involving loved ones.

The Apostle Paul teaches us, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” When hardships come, may we not doubt God’s love but surrender to His will and believe that He is using trials for our good—to mature our faith and draw us closer to Him.

Let us pray:

Lord, please forgive any sin in me and give me the strength to accept trials without fear. Help me trust that You are using every hardship to shape my character and grow my hope in You. Thank You for always giving what is best for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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