Prayer Adds Years!
Scripture reading for July 28: Isaiah 38:1-5 “In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the Word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”
God sets the boundaries of each life in terms of how long our stay on earth is. (Psalm 139:16) In our reading today, King Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet was sent to him to confirm his upcoming death and he was told to get his affairs in order. But for those who believe that nothing is too hard for God or impossible, there is the option of appealing to God. Hezekiah chose to appeal to God based on his years of service to God and faithfulness of his heart. He wept sincerely as he offered his appeal.
God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and tears by sending Isaiah back to him with the answer to his appeal. God had heard the prayer, saw his tears and decided to add fifteen more years to his life. We know it wasn’t that Hezekiah was so righteous or faithful, but that God was merciful and had promised to hear the prayers of His people and answer them. Solomon had prayed at the temple’s dedication for God’s people’s prayers to be answered. (1 Kings 8:38-39) Jesus now promises His disciples that whatever they ask in faith in His Name He will answer. (John 16:23-24)
So the question for us today is what is the state of our faith in God and Jesus Christ? Do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to ask Him for whatever we have need of? Are we resting in Jesus’ sinless life of perfect obedience and His sacrifice of body and blood to give us and access to God? Why not ask today and trust God’s promises?
Prayer: Father, I ask you for _____________ today. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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