Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (II Corinthians 32:7,8 ESV)
Hezekiah said these words after preparing for war. He spoiled the wells along the Assyrian army’s path. He fixed broken walls and built new towers where Assyria was expected to attack. He forged weapons and shields in abundance. He re-organized the Judean army including militia and new commanders.
He did not do those things to bring courage to Judah.
He did not do those things to help the people of God not be afraid.
He prepares for war because Hezekiah already is not afraid.
Hezekiah’s confidence comes from his trust in God. He knows that the king of Assyria only flesh and blood on his side, but Judah has God. The king of Assyria has a few other armies on his side, but Judah has God’s help. The king of Assyria has his horde, but Judah has God’s angel-armies.
Because Hezekiah is not afraid, he can do his job. Somewhere on Hezekiah’s job description it reads, “prepare for war.” And so he does.
That preparation does not give him courage, it comes from his courage. Doing his job does not inspire his people, it comes from his inspiration. His work does not distract him from fear, overcome his fear, or smother his fear. His work is possible because Hezekiah is not afraid.
Physical things do not defeat fear. Pacing, craftwork, exercise, hand-wringing, and meals are all fine things… but they do not defeat fear.
Our eyes will only stop seeing fear when we look towards God. Our hearts will only stop drumming in fear when our hearts are filled with His Spirit. Our words will only stop being fearful when our words profess Christ.
Fear is solved spiritually. Then there can be physical results.
Fear not, because God will enable you by removing your fear.