Destruction: A Study in 2 KingsSample

What does it say?

Hezekiah prayed to the Lord concerning the impending Assyrian invasion. God responded through the prophet Isaiah.

What does it mean?

In the face of almost certain attacks by the mightiest military in the world, Hezekiah’s first instinct was to turn to God. He went to the temple and laid the king’s men’s message on the floor as he prayed. Hezekiah humbly placed all his troubles before the Lord. He praised God for all He had done and recounted the remarks of Assyria’s king. God already knew the situation, including what the Assyrians said about the Lord Himself. God’s response through the prophet Isaiah was simple: Hezekiah was not to worry about the Assyrians. God would take care of His people by removing this threat.

How should I respond?

When trouble comes, to whom do you turn? Is your first call to a friend, family member, or pastor? While all of these can be helpful, a believer’s first instinct should be to call on God. Since it is by His sovereignty that the details of our lives unfold, it makes sense to turn to Him first. But if God is always aware of what’s happening, why pray? Prayer demonstrates our reliance on the Lord and aligns our hearts to His. What issue do you need to lay before God today humbly? Stop now and ask for His guidance. Determine to turn your troubles over to God immediately and let Him work on your behalf.