Have you ever read a passage of Scripture-least you think you have-and not have it register? Then one time you read it and BAM! the light goes on. This morning was one of those times.
The Scripture in the spotlight: Isaiah 37: 14-20. (Please take a moment and read it).
Sennacherib (S), the Assyrian king, planned to invade Judah. He sent his lackeys to threaten and badger Hezekiah into surrendering and not trust God. God surely would not save them. Outgunned and out-manned, Hezekiah does something totally unusual: he takes the letter from S, reads it, then heads to the temple and lays it out before God. Then he prays. It was not an “I’m scared spitless and don’t know what to do” kind of prayer. It was simply a prayer that acknowledged God’s power and might, Hezekiah’s weakness against S, and his trust that God would save them.
God answers Hezekiah’s prayer through Isaiah. I like the words Isaiah says in verse 21: “Because you have prayer to me (God) about S…” God is acknowledging Hezekiah’s correct response to the threat.
Now watch the result. Verses 36-38 -> 185,000 Assyrians dead. Not by Hezekiah’s hand or his army. “The angel of the Lord went out and struck…” Hezekiah didn’t lift a finger. S went home in disgrace and was eventually assassinated by his own sons.
Hezekiah averted a disaster by going to God first. What a great lesson! Instead of moving in his own strength (to sure defeat); relying on his own army; or even surrendering to S, he went to God and laid it all out before Him.
There’s gotta be a lesson there! 🙂
“Father, may I not fret and worry and scheme in my own strength. Let me bring it all before You, lay it all before You, and trust You implicitly. “
A great lesson indeed. Too often, I first try in my own power to overcome obstacles and knock down walls, when I should be laying it down before God and simply acknowledging His power and authority to overcome anything that is not His will. Good reminder this morning to remember that God is faithful will accomplish much more in my life when I allow Him to lead it.
Imagine what a difference it would be if we went to Him first and acknowledged our need for Him right off the bat. I’m glad He is faithful and will always keep His word.
A wonderful reminder of how submission to God through prayer and supplication is always the answer. Blessings, Bill!
You are right Martha. It is always the answer.
Father, what a lesson in Isaiah, I should lay everything before You absolutely first, seek Your authority over the issue. Why it is sometimes I even fool myself in believing that I am seeking You out first, when in reality I am moving on my own. Thank-you Father, that you are faithful and still adjust my path, and keep me under your merciful and graceful watch at all times.
I am thankful Gail that God is faithful and even when I go my own way He “rights my direction.”