How can we seek assurance of God's promises like Hezekiah in Isaiah 38? Seeing the Sign in Isaiah 38:7 “This will be the sign to you from the LORD that the LORD will do what He has promised” (Isaiah 38:7) • The sign came from God, not from Hezekiah’s imagination • It matched the promise—fifteen more years of life and deliverance from Assyria • It pointed to God’s steadfast character, not Hezekiah’s merit Why God Gives Assurance • He remembers our frailty (Psalm 103:14) • He backs His word with oath and covenant so we may be “strongly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:17-18) • “In Him every promise is Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20) How to Seek Assurance Today • Stand on written Scripture first—signs follow, they never replace the Word • Pray honestly, like Hezekiah who “turned his face to the wall” (Isaiah 38:2-3) • Ask humbly, never presumptuously; Gideon’s fleece shows God’s patience (Judges 6:36-40) • Watch for confirmations: – Providential timing and circumstances – Inner witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16) – Counsel from mature believers – Fresh light on Scripture • Review past deliverances; remembrance breeds confidence (Isaiah 38:19-20) • Anchor in God’s unchanging nature; “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18) Daily Practices That Strengthen Assurance • Meditate on promise passages—Psalm 119:49; 1 John 5:13; 2 Peter 1:10 • Keep a journal of answered prayer; see Lamentations 3:21-24 come alive • Sing truths; Hezekiah composed worship that sealed faith • Share testimonies; mutual encouragement fortifies belief (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Walk in obedience; “by this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:3-5) Verses to Keep Handy Final Thought God delights to confirm what He promises. His oath, His Son, and His Spirit form an unbreakable cord of certainty, enabling believers to live as confidently as Hezekiah, assured that the LORD will do exactly what He has spoken. |
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