Not One Arrow

Read

Isaiah 37:33-35 “Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!’”

Think

Picture this. You're walking home from the bus stop when the sky turns dark gray. Boom! Thunder. Then the rain starts pouring down. Big, fat raindrops, the kind that soak you in two seconds.

But you're ready. You pop open your big umbrella. Rain pounds on top of it and splashes all around your feet. But under that umbrella? You stay dry. Not one drop gets through.

God made King Hezekiah a promise that was a lot like that umbrella. Only it wasn't about rain. It was about arrows.

Hezekiah had spread out the scary letter. He had prayed and asked God to save his city. Now God answered through a prophet named Isaiah.

Here is what God said about that bully king: “He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here.”

Not even one arrow! This huge army with all its soldiers and weapons would not get a single arrow into Jerusalem. God said the bully king would turn around and go home the same way he came.

Then God said the best part: “I will defend this city and save it.”

Guess what happened? It came true! The king of Assyria packed up his army and went back home. He never got into Jerusalem. God kept his promise, exactly like he said.

God protects his people. That doesn't mean nothing bad will ever happen to us. Sometimes hard things still happen, and we still get sad or hurt. But God is always with us, and he is always working for our good.

Think of it like being under God's umbrella. The storm might be loud. The rain might splash all around. But God is right there, covering you.

When you're scared, remember Hezekiah's city. Remember the bully king who couldn't shoot even one arrow. And remember that the same God is watching over you right now.

You are under his care. God's got it.

Apply

Remember God's umbrella – The next time it rains, or the next time you feel scared, remember that God is covering you. Say out loud, “God is my protector.”

Pray

God, thank you for protecting Hezekiah and his city. Thank you for watching over me too. When I feel scared, help me remember that I am under your care. In Jesus' name. Amen.