Tag: Isaiah 38:1-6
Turning back the clock through prayer!
Scripture reading for July 26: Isaiah 36-39
In Isaiah 38 we have the record of an interesting incident in the life of a good king of Israel, Hezekiah. Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to tell him to get his house in order because he was going to die. (Isaiah 38:1) Who are we to argue with God?
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and humbly asked: “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” (Isaiah 38:2) In response, Isaiah was told to tell Hezekiah the Lord had heard his prayer, seen his tears, and was adding 15 years to his life. The Lord assured him that He would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians. (Isaiah 38:4-6)
God was quick to answer Hezekiah’s request and also gave Hezekiah a special sign of His favor. He made the sunlight go back ten steps on the staircase of Ahaz. As God had promised more time, He demonstrated His power to turn back the clock! What a powerful answer to prayer and what grace for a visual sign of the answer!
There are several things to note that are instructive for us. Hezekiah simply reminded God how he had lived by faith for many years and had a habit of trusting God. Hezekiah approached God humbly and did not just put on a show. He was real with God about his feelings and desire. He did not demand anything from God, but simply appealed to the One Who held His life in His hands. God answered because He heard the prayer and saw the tears! (Isaiah 38:5) Faith always moves God! (Mark 11:22-24) Faith pleases God like nothing else! (Hebrews 11:6)
If you are facing an impossible situation today, try simply asking God in faith like Hezekiah. Trust Him to hear and answer! Here is Hezekiah’s response to God’s grace: “But what can I say: He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In Your love You kept me from the pit of destruction; You have put all my sins behind Your back.” Isaiah 38:15-17