It was a great joy to have Ben Leney speak at the VCF Southern Weekend this year. Ben spoke on the theme “Are you firm in the faith?, ” drawing on the lives of three Judean kings—Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah—to explore how faith is tested, lost, and restored. Through their stories, we are reminded that God is faithful, is merciful, and still speaks to us today. Hezekiah’s account (2 Kings 19) shows what it looks like to stand firm under pressure. Facing the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian army, he resisted panic and instead turned straight to God, laying the situation before Him in prayer. His response was marked by humility, honesty, and a desire for God’s glory above all else. In moments of crisis, he models a faith that depends entirely on

God rather than human solutions. As we are encouraged in “Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14), Hezekiah’s life brings these words into reality. In contrast, Manasseh’s reign reveals how far a person can drift from God. His leadership led Judah into deep idolatry and sin. Yet even here, God’s mercy is evident. When Manasseh humbled himself in captivity and cried out to the Lord, he was heard and restored. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Josiah, Manasseh’s grandson, demonstrates the impact of a heart responsive to God’s Word. When the Book of the Law was rediscovered, Josiah acted with humility and urgency, leading widespread reform and renewal. By examining the lives of Manasseh, Hezekiah, and Josiah, we can learn the importance of obedience, repentance, and faithfulness. Their stories demonstrate the consequences of turning away from God and highlight the hope of redemption through sincere repentance and God’s grace. From their experiences, believers are encouraged to trust God, remain committed to His ways, and seek His forgiveness when they stray.Together, the lives of these three kings remind us that faith can falter but can also be rebuilt. Whether we feel strong or struggling, God invites us to return to Him, to listen, and to stand firm with courage and love. ’