“Dear friends… Scoffers will come in the last days scoffing and following their own evil desires, saying, ‘Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation!’ … Don’t overlook this fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come! (From 2 Peter 3:1-10 CSB)
My Bible reading today during “Coffee with the Lord” left me so impressed by the godly leadership skills of Hezekiah in the Bible…
When facing the crisis of a siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, he consulted with his officials and military staff, strategized, and did what he could to deal with the situation (2 Chronicles 32.1-5)… That’s always good practice!! Do what can be done!
Then Hezekiah encouraged the people he led to trust God! The Bible says, “He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.” (2 Chronicles 32:6–8) What a wise and godly leader!
But Sennacherib, king of Assyria, scoffed at Hezekiah, taunted him, and demeaned the Living God … The Bible says, “He spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other people of the world – the work of human hands.” (2 Chronicles 32.9-19)
Finally, Hezekiah went one step further … He did what every godly leader ought to do in a crisis… HE PRAYED and got others to join him in prayer! “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword. So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side.“ (2 Chronicles 32:20–23)
So here are 4 key leadership lessons from Hezekiah when facing an incredible crisis…
Do what can be done – collaborate with good people, strategize, and take constructive action.
Encourage those you lead not to listen to those who ridicule the Living God, but urge them to join you in trusting the Lord in the crisis.
PRAY (and solicit the prayer support of other praying people)
Finally, exercise faith – trust God to act in powerful ways!
Good stuff!! Don’t you want to lead in a crisis like Hezekiah did?!
Thanksgiving 2025 – My Top 7 things this Thanksgiving…
1. A loving “Heavenly Father, a “Gracious Savior, and the Holy Spirit – “the Helper – who dwells within!
2. Salvation from my sin and a personal relationship with God!
3. God’s inspired, infallible word to instruct, guide, inspire, encourage and sustain me!
4. A loving, faithful companion and helper – my “soulmate” and wife, Sharon, and our children and grandchildren!
5. The Christian heritage of our family!
6. Fellow “brothers and sisters” in Christ!
7. The nation I am a citizen of and the freedoms we enjoy!
So here’s my “Top 7” this year of things for which I am thankful… But I am fully aware and am seeking to heed the challenge God’s word gives me: “In EVERYTHING give thanks!” (Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Coffee With The Lord 