One of the Kings of Israel, Hezekiah, was being intimidated by Sennacherib, King of Assyria. And Hezekiah's first response? 'After Hezekiah had read the note from the king of Assyria, he took it to the temple and spread it out for the Lord to see' (Isaiah 37:14 CEV). In his letter, Sennacherib was playing the intimidation game. He was trying to throw his weight around, talking up how big his army was, about all the nations he had conquered and how Hezekiah's God couldn't save him.

Any guesses what happened next? He was made to eat his words. Hezekiah didn't try and oppose the Assyrian army in his own power; he turned to God and laid the bullying letter out to him. How did it turn out: 'The Lord sent an angel to the camp of the Assyrians, and he killed 185,000 of them all in one night' (Isaiah 37:36 CEV).

So, what's our 'intimidating letter'? What's our distressing news, work deadline, failing relationship? No matter what it is, know this: our God is greater than what we face, and he doesn't want us to carry our fear alone.

So what now? If you're feeling intimidated, at work, college or, yes, even at church - chat to someone godly who has people experience under their belt. Ask God to provide you with good advice

— SCRIPTURE —
'Hezekiah read the note...and spread it out for the Lord.' Isaiah 37:14 CEV
— SOULFOOD —
2 Ki 13-15, Luke 14:25-35, Ps 106:24-48, Pro 7:3-5