How can we seek God's guidance when facing difficult decisions today? The setting behind 2 Kings 20:10 • Hezekiah lay gravely ill. • God promised healing and fifteen more years of life (2 Kings 20:5-6). • The king wanted assurance. • Isaiah offered a sign involving the palace sundial. • Verse 10 records Hezekiah’s reply: “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps. Rather, let it go back ten steps.” • God reversed the shadow—an unmistakable confirmation that His word could be trusted. Guidance lessons drawn from Hezekiah 1. Admit the need • Hezekiah did not pretend strength; he sought help. • Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me Your ways, O LORD… for You are the God of my salvation.” 2. Anchor every request in an already-spoken promise • God had just declared, “I will heal you” (2 Kings 20:5). • Today we cling to written promises such as Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. 3. Ask boldly, yet humbly • A backward shadow seemed impossible, but Hezekiah still asked. • Ephesians 3:20 reminds that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” 4. Expect confirmation that aligns with Scripture, not against it • The miracle supported God’s prior word, never contradicted it. • Galatians 1:8 guards against any message opposing the gospel. 5. Receive the answer with obedience • After the sign, Hezekiah placed a fig poultice on the boil as instructed (2 Kings 20:7). • Guidance often pairs supernatural reassurance with ordinary steps of obedience. Practical pathway for difficult decisions today 1. Search the Word first • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 equips for “every good work.” • Note any direct command or principle touching the issue. 2. Pray for wisdom • James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” • Bring the situation, motives, and desired outcome before the Lord. 3. Invite the Spirit’s inner witness • Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” • A settled peace often accompanies the right path. 4. Seek godly counsel • Proverbs 11:14 “Victory is won through many advisers.” • Trusted believers help test impressions against Scripture. 5. Watch providential circumstances • Revelation 3:7 portrays Christ as the One who “opens and no one will shut.” • Doors God opens will harmonize with His Word, never replace it. 6. Move forward in faith • Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD.” • Act when the next step is clear, trusting God to steer mid-course if needed. Promises to remember while waiting • Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” • Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Romans 8:14 “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” God delights to guide His people. Like Hezekiah, approach Him with honesty, stand on His promises, and look for the clear, confirming hand of the Lord before taking the next step. |
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