Today’s theme is the power of faith and prayer in the face of distressing thoughts and situations. Through sincere prayer and trust in God, divine intervention can bring deliverance and victory! Today’s reading continues with the narrative of King Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and Hezekiah, king of Judah.
The Threat to Jerusalem
As Sennacherib bears down on Jerusalem, he gets word that the king of Ethiopia is coming to attack Assyria, so he turns to head back home and defend it. However, he sends a letter to Hezekiah saying he will be back to destroy him.
“This message is for King Hezekiah of Judah. Don’t let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured by the king of Assyria. You know perfectly well what the kings of Assyria have done wherever they have gone. They have completely destroyed everyone who stood in their way! Why should you be any different? (Isaiah 37:10–11, NLT)
Hezekiah’s Prayer
Why should Hezekiah be any different? Because the LORD is his God! Notice what Hezekiah does with this threatening letter.
Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone…open your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. (Isaiah 37:14–17, ESV)
Divine Intervention
What a smart tactic—pray! Pray to God! Show God the letter, though He already knows it. In the end, God destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, and King Sennacherib was assassinated by his sons.
As believers, we can do the same with distressing thoughts and situations in life. We have the same God! The battle is His, not ours, so take it to God in prayer. God will hear! God will answer!
Questions for Further Reflection
The Role of Faith in Overcoming Adversity
- How did Hezekiah’s faith influence his actions in the face of Sennacherib’s threat?
- What can we learn from Hezekiah’s example about the importance of maintaining faith during challenging times?
The Power of Prayer
- Why did Hezekiah choose to pray and present the letter to God?
- What is the significance of prayer in seeking God’s intervention and guidance?
Divine Intervention and Miracles
- How did God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer demonstrate His power and sovereignty?
- Can we identify similar instances in our lives or history where God’s intervention has played a crucial role?
Leadership and Decision-Making Under Pressure
- What does Hezekiah’s leadership during the crisis reveal about his character and decision-making skills?
- How can leaders today apply these principles when facing their own challenges?
Applying Biblical Lessons to Modern Life
- How can we apply the lessons from Hezekiah’s story to our own lives and struggles?
- What practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith and reliance on God in difficult situations?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Isaiah 37-39, Psalm 76.