July 21
2 Kings 19:1-19; Isaiah 37:1-20; 2 Chronicles 32:9-19; 2 Kings 19:20-37; Isaiah 37:21-38; 2 Chronicles 32:20-23
Hezekiah and Judah were surrounded by an army that was insurmountable. In the face of these overwhelming odds they turned to God. From their response I think we can learn two critical lessons. When we pray, we should remember we are praying to God. Hezekiah calls out to God and acknowledges him as, “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.” Did you confess God to be like that the last time you prayed? If we cannot see God as powerful, then there is truly no reason to pray to him. Judah knows God is the only one who can save. So, first remember God's power.
Second, do not assume he is going to act how we want. When Hezekiah begins praying to God, he says, “It may be that the Lord your God will hear...” Until Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, the outcome is uncertain. God would be right to judge Judah and allow them to be destroyed, but he also could be merciful and save them. It is critical when we ask God to intervene and transform our circumstances that we desire his will to be done and not our own desires to be accomplished. Let us pray with confidence in our powerful God and not in assurance that what we want is what God will do.
Father God, I praise you as the God of Israel and the God of the universe and I submit my will and desires before you today. Amen.
How have you worked through the past disappointments with God when he did not do what you wanted?
Hezekiah and Judah were surrounded by an army that was insurmountable. In the face of these overwhelming odds they turned to God. From their response I think we can learn two critical lessons. When we pray, we should remember we are praying to God. Hezekiah calls out to God and acknowledges him as, “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.” Did you confess God to be like that the last time you prayed? If we cannot see God as powerful, then there is truly no reason to pray to him. Judah knows God is the only one who can save. So, first remember God's power.
Second, do not assume he is going to act how we want. When Hezekiah begins praying to God, he says, “It may be that the Lord your God will hear...” Until Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, the outcome is uncertain. God would be right to judge Judah and allow them to be destroyed, but he also could be merciful and save them. It is critical when we ask God to intervene and transform our circumstances that we desire his will to be done and not our own desires to be accomplished. Let us pray with confidence in our powerful God and not in assurance that what we want is what God will do.
Father God, I praise you as the God of Israel and the God of the universe and I submit my will and desires before you today. Amen.
How have you worked through the past disappointments with God when he did not do what you wanted?
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