Setting Up the Foundation for SuccessZion Alliance Church

Erwin van Laar

Foundations:

1. “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.”

2.“He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)”

3.“Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.”

4.“He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses”

Success

1.“And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.”

2.“From watchtower to fortified city, he defeated the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory.”

Foundations:1. What was right in the eyes

of the LORD2. Removed the high places3. Trusted in the LORD4. Did not stop following Him

Success:1. The LORD was with him 2. He was successful in

whatever he undertook3. Did not serve the king of

Assyria4. He defeated the Philistines

What not to do once you find favour with God

• Go back into bondage• Go into a pity party• Have someone else pray for you

What is your responsibility now that you have God’s favour?

• Pray• Show God that it is His problem, not yours• Ask Him to get involved

What does success look like?

1. I have heard your prayer.2. God dictated a reply to the letter.3. God promised to defend the city and save it.4. That night the angel smote the camp of the Assyrians killing 185,000.5. The king fled back to Assyria where he was assassinated.

Prayer is the never-failing resource of the tempted Christian, whether struggling with outward difficulties or inward foes. At the mercy-seat of our almighty Friend, we open our heart, spread our case, like Hezekiah, and make our appeal. When we can discern that the glory of God is engaged on our side, faith gains the victory, and we rejoice that we shall never be moved. The best pleas in prayer are taken from God's honour.