How should we respond when God answers our prayers, as seen in 2 Kings 20:4? Setting the Scene: Hezekiah’s Moment of Crisis • 2 Kings 20 opens with King Hezekiah terminally ill and told, “Set your house in order, for you will die; you will not recover.” • In deep distress he turns his face to the wall and prays, weeping bitterly (vv. 1–3). • His prayer is humble, honest, and rooted in his past faithfulness to God. God’s Swift Answer “Before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him” (2 Kings 20:4). • The answer arrives even before the prophet leaves the palace—God’s timing can be immediate. • Verses 5–6 record the content: God hears, sees the tears, adds fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life, and promises deliverance from the Assyrians. Our Right Response to Answered Prayer 1. Acknowledge God’s compassion – “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears” (v. 5). – Recognize that answers flow from His mercy, not our merit (Psalm 103:13–14). 2. Give immediate gratitude – Hezekiah later composes a song of thanks (Isaiah 38:9–20). – “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name” (Psalm 105:1). 3. Testify to others – Hezekiah publicly displays the miraculous sign of the sun’s shadow (2 Kings 20:8–11). – Share God’s work so faith is stirred in the community (Psalm 34:2–3). 4. Steward the extra time or blessing wisely – Fifteen added years were meant for faithful service. – “Look carefully then how you walk… making the most of the time” (Ephesians 5:15–16). 5. Keep praying with confidence – The quick answer inspires deeper prayer life, not complacency (Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Practical Ways to Live This Out • Journal answered prayers and date them. • Verbally thank God the moment you notice an answer. • Share testimony in your small group or family. • Dedicate resources gained through answered prayer (time, health, finances) to kingdom purposes. • Memorize verses on gratitude (Psalm 116:1–2; Colossians 3:17). Encouraging Reminders from Scripture • “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). • The healed leper “returned, glorifying God with a loud voice” (Luke 17:15–18). Jesus commends grateful response. • “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). When God answers—as He did for Hezekiah—respond with swift gratitude, public testimony, and faithful stewardship of the blessing, keeping your heart tuned to ongoing, expectant prayer. |
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