Isaiah 38 - 4.4.23

SCIPTURE:  Isaiah 38:1-6  "In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death.  The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."  Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, "Remember, Lord, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes."  And Hezekiah wept bitterly."

"THEN the word of the Lord came to Isaiah:  "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears: I will add fifteen years to your life...".

OBSERVATION:  God heard Hezekiah's prayer, and He answered it by allowing him to escape death and live another fifteen years! He who was on the brink of death, got grace from God, and his prayer was miraculously answered!  

APPLICATION:  This portion of Scripture inspired me to once again realize the incredible power of prayer!  WHEN we depend on God and WAIT on Him to answer our prayers, we are able to rest assured that He will do what He knows best, and at the proper time He will move on our behalf.  So, what was the key to Hezekiah getting his prayer answered?  1)  He loved and obeyed God, and he had a powerful prayer life.  2)  He trusted the Lord.  3)  He depended on GOD'S results.  

The moment Isaiah brought Hezekiah the bad news about his impending death, Hezekiah didn't wait to go to God.  He IMMEDIATELY turned to God in prayer!  

I love what Pastor Levi taught last Sunday; After we pray, God either causes the situation to change, OR the situation remains the same while God changes us!  Well in Hezekiah's case, God miraculously changed the situation!

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, There are so many testimonies throughout history of how You have answered countless prayers.  When the bad news comes my way, I pray that my first response will be to run to You first.  I desire to be like Hezekiah - Yeah, he had his faults and human weaknesses, but he was a man who loved You and trusted You.  He held fast to You, and didn't stop following You, and his complete dependence on You was rewarded by a miraculous answer to his prayer!

- Robin Orefice