RTW 2023

But the people were silent and did not utter a word because Hezekiah had commanded them, “Do not answer him.”

2 Kings 18:36

Can you hear the hurt and pain in God’s voice?

“O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.“
Micah 6:3-4

Wendy, imagine God asking “What have I done to make you tire of me?

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Like the commander of the Assyrian army, our enemy desires to

• Make himself sound powerful and great.
  This is what the great king of Assyria says
  2 Kings 18:19b
• Make us question God’s power and protection.
  Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me
  2 Kings 18:20
• Make us think what he can give is greater than what God can give.
  I’ll tell you what! Strike a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you 2,000 horses if you can find that many men to ride on them!
  2 Kings 18:23
• Make us think we are weak and can’t fight.
  With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master’s troops, even with the help of Egypt’s chariots and charioteers?
  2 Kings 18:24

But they stood in silence and didn’t utter a word.

• “Often, it is useless – if not dangerous – to try and match wits with this demonic logic. It is almost always better to keep silent and trust God, instead of trying to win an argument with Satan or his servants.” – David Guzik
• “Silence is our best reply to the allegations and taunts of our foes. Be still, O persecuted soul! Hand over thy cause to God. It is useless to argue, even in many cases to give explanations. Be still, and commit thy cause to God.” – F.B. Meyer

Tongue taming verses

• Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
  Proverbs 18:2
• Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
  Proverbs 23:9 (ESV)
• Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
  2 Timothy 2:23-24 (ESV)
• But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
  Titus 3:9 (ESV)

Keep silent. Stand firm in your faith. What the enemy is offering isn’t worth the price you will be required to pay.

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Remember that He is always faithful, we need to stay around and see how He works….and not try to run away when it gets hard.