How can we trust God in our personal crises, like Hezekiah did? Setting the Scene: Hezekiah’s Crisis - Assyria had already crushed the northern kingdom; Jerusalem stood in the crosshairs. - On top of the looming invasion, King Hezekiah became “deathly ill” (2 Kings 20:1). - The prophet Isaiah announced, “Set your house in order, for you are going to die.” - Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed, wept, pleaded—and God answered. God’s Promise in 2 Kings 20:6 “I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will defend this city for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.” Threefold assurance: 1. Extended life—personal rescue. 2. National deliverance—corporate rescue. 3. Divine motivation—God’s own reputation and covenant faithfulness. What Trust Looked Like for Hezekiah - He brought raw emotion to God (20:2–3). No rehearsal, no filter. - He anchored his plea in covenant loyalty: “Remember how I have walked before You faithfully.” - He accepted God’s word through the prophet—no bargaining, only dependence. - He obeyed the unconventional remedy (fig poultice, 20:7), trusting God could work through ordinary means. - He requested a confirming sign (20:8–11), believing God would back His promise with observable evidence. How God Validated Hezekiah’s Trust - Immediate reversal of prognosis: fifteen added years. - Supernatural sign: the shadow moved backward ten steps on Ahaz’s stairway—history rewound at God’s command. - Angelic intervention: 185,000 Assyrian soldiers struck down overnight (19:35). The crisis God predicted He would handle, He handled. Applying Hezekiah’s Example to Our Crises 1. Turn to God first, not last. Hezekiah’s instinct was prayer, not politics. 2. Pour out the whole story—tears included (Psalm 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7). 3. Stand on God’s revealed character. He keeps covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9). 4. Expect God to answer in His timing and method, sometimes through everyday means, sometimes through miracles. 5. Look for ways God might confirm His word—through Scripture, circumstances, or wise counsel. Practical Steps to Cultivate Trust Today • Daily Scripture intake: trust grows with familiarity (Romans 10:17). • Record past deliverances. A crisis journal becomes evidence for the future. • Speak promises aloud. Faith comes alive when truth is voiced (Joshua 1:8). • Seek community. Hezekiah had Isaiah; believers need godly friends (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Act in obedience while waiting. Apply the “fig poultice” God provides, however ordinary it seems. Scriptures that Reinforce God’s Reliability - Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.” - Isaiah 38:5 – “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.” - Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:28 – “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” - Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In every personal crisis, the God who moved a shadow backward and an army away still stands ready to prove Himself faithful. |
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