How can we seek assurance from God in our own lives today? Hezekiah’s question and God’s gracious answer Isaiah 38:22: “Now Hezekiah had asked, ‘What will be the sign that I will go up to the house of the LORD?’” • Moments earlier, the LORD had added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life (Isaiah 38:5–6). • The king still wanted confirmation—something visible and concrete. • The LORD provided it (Isaiah 38:7–8), showing that seeking assurance is legitimate when it springs from faith rather than doubt of God’s character. What does assurance look like today? • We seldom receive a supernatural shadow reversal, yet God remains willing to steady our hearts. • Assurance now rests on unchanging revelation rather than a one-time sign. Scripture as our clearest sign • Psalm 119:89 — “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” • Romans 15:4 — “For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” Practical steps: – Read promises aloud; personalize them (e.g., John 10:28-29; Philippians 1:6). – Memorize key verses that speak to areas of struggle. – Keep a journal of passages God highlights; review when doubts surface. The Spirit’s inner witness • Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” • 1 John 3:24 — “This is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.” Cultivating sensitivity: – Set aside quiet minutes daily to invite the Spirit to search and reassure (Psalm 139:23-24). – Expect conviction and comfort; both confirm His active presence. Obedient living that confirms faith • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me… and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” • James 1:22-25 — The doer of the word “will be blessed in what he does.” Markers of obedience-born assurance: – A growing appetite for holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Love for fellow believers (1 John 3:14). – Fruit of the Spirit evident over time (Galatians 5:22-23). Remembering past deliverances • Deuteronomy 4:9 — “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” Suggestions: – Keep a “stones of remembrance” list of answered prayers. – Celebrate anniversaries of God’s interventions, as Hezekiah surely did after his healing. – Share testimonies; mutual encouragement cements assurance (Hebrews 10:24-25). Christ—the ultimate, unchanging sign • Matthew 12:39-40 — The resurrection is “the sign of Jonah.” • John 20:30-31 — “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ…and that by believing you may have life.” Assurance focuses on: – A historic, bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). – A present, interceding Savior (Hebrews 7:25). – A future, visible return (Acts 1:11). Walking forward in settled confidence • Hebrews 6:17-19 — God’s oath and promise give “strong encouragement” and “an anchor for the soul.” Daily pattern: 1. Open the Word—hear the unbreakable promises. 2. Pray—invite the Spirit to seal those truths. 3. Obey—step out, letting faith prove itself through action. 4. Remember—mark every fresh evidence of His faithfulness. The God who moved a shadow backward for Hezekiah still bends history and hearts to assure His children. Trust His Word, heed His Spirit, walk in obedience, rehearse His works, and fix your eyes on Christ—the surest sign of all. |
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