June 23
Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook
THE ENEMY FIRSTHAND
"Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall
not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it
with shield, nor cast a bank against it" II Kings 19:32
Neither did Sennacherib molest the city. He had boasted loudly, but he
could not carry out his threats. The Lord is able to stop the enemies
of His people in the very act. When the lion has the lamb between his
jaws, the great Shepherd of the sheep can rob him of his prey. Our
extremity only provides an opportunity for a grander display of divine
power and wisdom.
In the case before us, the terrible foe did not put in an appearance
before the city which he thirsted to destroy. No annoying arrow could
he shoot over the walls, and no besieging engines could he put to work
to batter down the castles, and no banks could he cast up to shut in
the inhabitants. Perhaps in our case also the Lord will prevent our
adversaries from doing us the least harm. Certainly He can alter their
intentions, or render their designs so abortive that they will gladly
forego them. Let us trust in the Lord and keep His way, and He will
take care of us. Yea, He will fill us with wondering praise as we see
the perfection of His deliverance.
Let us not fear the enemy till he actually come, and then let us trust
in the Lord.