SEPTEMBER 20, Isaiah 37:1-3

King Hezekiah was ruler over Judah but here we read of him in a sad and desperate state. Why? Under what circumstances would a ruler be so pessimistic?

The Assyrian king Sennacherib had raised a huge army to attack Judah. King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, had faced a similar threat from the Syria-Israel alliance before. Instead of trusting God, he turned to Assyria for help, and disastrous results followed. Now, Hezekiah had to decide whether to trust man or God for deliverance.

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Hezekiah made the right decision. He cast himself before the Lord. He had the spiritual understanding to seek God with all his heart and not to look to man. In earnest prayer, he spread the Assyrian king’s letter of demand before the Lord. In deep contrition, he begged for mercy. That is a wise thing to do for God will listen to every penitent prayer. Dear child, if you are sincere in your prayers, the Lord will hear and answer! Soon came the piece of good news that God would defend the city for His own sake, and for David’s sake (verse 35). The destruction of 185,000 Assyrian troops in one night saved the day. God had worked a miracle!

Do you trust God in times of adversity? Rest in His assurance that “... all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).

Below are examples of how God can work in miraculous ways, to deliver or to punish.

Thought: May I turn to the Lord in good or bad times.

Prayer: Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord, unto me. I am so grateful for You have been such a kind God. Help me to keep close to You, in good times or bad. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.