Hezekiah's Prayer
As long as we're alive, we'll face adversities and uncertainties. We'll face tests and trials that seem far too much of a challenge to confront and overcome as finite human beings. We need answers to our issues, healing in our bodies, and God's intervention in many areas of our lives. The story of Hezekiah's life extension wasn't placed in the Bible by accident; rather, it's a powerful reminder that God is all-powerful, He can show mercy, and He can even bring a miraculous extension of life when needed.
Scripture describes Hezekiah as a faithful king in Judah, who eventually became very ill. In fact, God sent the prophet Isaiah to deliver a word from the Lord, declaring that Hezekiah's life would soon come to an end (see 2 Kings 18-20). I can't imagine what Hezekiah was thinking in those moments, how weighty that type of stark truth would have been to him. I find it intriguing to know that Hezekiah didn't give up hope, turn his face against a wall and die. Instead, he turned to our loving God, who is all-powerful.
Here's just a portion of the above Scripture reference:
Hezekiah's Life Extended: "In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, 'Thus says the Lord: "Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live."' Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, 'Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, "Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: 'I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David'"'" (2 Kings 20:1-6).
Hezekiah's response sets a powerful example for us, even now. He prayed earnestly to his all-powerful God of glory, pouring out his heart and seeking God's mercy and favor. He even reminded God of his own devotion and how he'd walked faithfully before Him, living out his destiny. I believe that Hezekiah's prayer was rooted in deep trust and a beautiful dependence on God alone.
God was so moved by Hezekiah's sincerity and fervent prayer that He responded with compassion and grace. He heard his cries and collected his tears in a bottle, displaying His mercy for all to see by granting Hezekiah a stunning fifteen-year extension on his life.
Imagine this king's joy and gratitude, realizing God had heard and answered his request. God had given him a remarkable gift of extra years, proving His faithfulness and demonstrating that He could easily do the impossible. (Photo via Creazilla)
This story serves as a powerful reminder—a testament to God's faithfulness and the incredible power of fervent prayer. From this place, we can learn many valuable lessons regarding faith, perseverance, and the tender love of our heavenly Father.
What We Can Learn from This
First, it reminds us that our prayers really do matter to God. Knowing that Hezekiah's prayer moved the very heart of God, we should never underestimate the power of sincere prayer. James 5:16 makes this profound statement, a promise in black and white: "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Our Father truly hears our cries and takes great delight in responding as we lift up our voices in faith, choosing to trust Him, instead of collapsing into a fetal position, destitute and hopeless in the middle of the battlefield. As we surrender everything, God moves on our behalf.
Second, it demonstrates that He is a God of compassion and mercy. Although Hezekiah's situation seemed hopeless, God responded with abundant grace and granted him a remarkable fifteen-year extension on his life. We need to understand that God's love surpasses our understanding, and His mercy is endless and knows no bounds. Our Father sees our afflictions, hears our heartfelt cries, and listens to our pleas for help. At times, He is so moved that He acts on our behalf, especially when we pray in faith and trust in Him.
Finally, Hezekiah's story encourages us to trust in our heavenly Father's perfect timing. Sometimes, in His wisdom, God will bring about a divine intervention that is truly miraculous. He will give us extra time, add extra years, and deliver us from suffering. His Word says that even in old age, the righteous will be green and productive (see Psalm 92:14). However, there are other times when His plans may differ from our desires because He has bigger plans that will actually change the world and the destiny of those around us. And if that's His plan for us, He will give us the grace to face it with victory, knowing it's not the end, but a glorious, new beginning. He knows all—the past, the present, and the future—and we must trust that God understands and knows what's best for us. And whether it feels like it or not, His timing is always perfect.
Trusting God's Sovereignty and Embracing the Gift of Time
Today, I pray that you are inspired by Hezekiah's faith and his unwavering trust in his Father. I pray that you'll approach your trials and circumstances with fervent prayer, always knowing that our heavenly Father is listening and drawing nearer to you, even when it feels like He's far away and you're out on a limb alone. I pray that this story will comfort and encourage you when you need it most.
Scripture teaches us that He is near to the brokenhearted (see Psalm 34:18). He is closer than our next breath. My prayer is that you would embrace the precious gift of time, using it wisely to glorify your God and serve His divine purpose and destiny for your life. Above all, let us trust in the sovereignty of our heavenly Father, knowing that He holds our lives in His hands. (Photo via Wallpaper Flare)
(Personal note from Steve Porter: This article holds a special place in my heart. After my mother passed away a year ago, my father came to live with us in New York. Recently, the doctors gave him a three-month hospice plan, but we are all praying for more time. Would you please join us in prayer and faith for an extension of his precious life? Our family would be deeply grateful.)
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for this story of Your servant Hezekiah. I thank You that this story was not placed in the Bible by accident, but it is a powerful reminder of how faithful You are and how You give us the gift of time.
Lord, teach us to approach every situation we face with a heart of fervent prayer, trusting You. Help us not to waste our time but to invest it wisely as we surrender all to You and Your perfect plan.
Lord, comfort us with Your compassion and mercy, so we may realize that You hear our cries and will respond in the way that is best for us and brings glory to Your name. Help us to finish well. In Jesus' precious name, amen.
Some Questions to Ponder
1. How does Hezekiah's story challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and His response to our prayers in times of adversity?
2. What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to his impending death, and how can we apply it to our own lives when faced with difficult circumstances?
3. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's perfect timing, even when His plans may differ from our own desires and expectations?
4. Reflecting on the gift of time, how can we ensure that we use our lives purposefully and intentionally for God's glory?
5. How does the story of Hezekiah's extension of life prompt us to reevaluate our approach to prayer, our understanding of God's mercy, and our reliance on His divine intervention in our lives?
Ask God to let you see through Heaven's eyes the glorious future, when we've left behind these mortal bodies; then rejoice knowing that, truly, the best is yet to come.
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Steve Porter
Refuge Ministries
Email:Â G524walk@yahoo.com
Website:Â www.findrefuge.tv
Steve and Diane Porter have dedicated their lives to helping others experience a deeper relationship with God. Through their work with Refuge Ministries and Deeper Life Press, they have created resources that touch lives all over the globe. Steve has a special anointing to bring forth the deep truths of the Spirit, and his books, articles, and videos have helped people draw closer to God. The Porters live near Rochester, NY, and their greatest joy is to share the incredible love of their wonderful Lord.
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As you read the rest of Steve's message, you'll receive lessons from Hezekiah's life, his prayers, and on how you can apply them to your life today. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List 
