PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Isaiah 37-38
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“That all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.” (Isaiah 37:20)
In today’s reading the Lord answers Hezekiah’s prayer very clearly.
The Assyrian army leaves Jerusalem and Hezekiah is healed, as Isaiah promised.
I wish I could say that the Lord always answered our prayers like this.
But I do believe that the Lord does always answer our prayers – somehow, someway.
The Lord does what he does so that people will know that he is God.
This doesn’t always mean my success or survival, but it does always mean his glory.
“Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)
Somehow, someway, the Lord works to help people know, and believe.
He uses my success, and my struggles, to speak to the hearts of others.
The Lord’s ultimate goal is to draw all people back home, into his glory.
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
I still pray my very specific prayer requests, asking to be helped or healed.
But I do not give up hope if the sun does not stand still for me.
I choose to trust that somehow, someway, he is drawing more people back to him.
PRAYER
Lord, you prayed to be delivered, and you died… and through your death many are saved. Hear my prayer, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.
God answers the prayers of Hezekiah and rescues him from the oppressor and from a deadly illness granting him an additional 15 years. Hezekiah’s confession: “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.” God had said he would punish his people for leaving him – for worshipping idols – and that punishment was coming – yet Hezekiah was granted a reprieve – because he prayed and humbled himself. Suffering does that – and when it does humble us – it is to our benefit. We have to get of our own high horses and recognize whose we really are. God will walk with us through anguish and respond to our prayers – he is a loving Father who cares! Lord help me to recognize you in the good and the bad times – that your faithfulness is for all times!