Taking God at His Word
Today wrapped up the symposium, I have been attending. Some good information and excellent presentations. Kirby Wynn, Garfield County Local Energy Designee, was the leader of the event. I had a chance meeting with when my family was in Glenwood Springs for my niece’s wedding. It was good to be at the conference and meet some county commissioners, and other industry members. I was pleased with how well my trip went getting back to Denver. Yesterday was a taxing day, so I was glad that I had greater energy and strength today.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the Lord’s temple. I will add 15 years to your life…. Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What is the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the Lord’s temple on the third day?”      2 Kings 20:5-8 HCSB
Facing a terminal illness in Hezekiah’s day was in many ways more of a “death sentence” than it is in our day. Modern medicine seem to always provide some kind of options, even with the most discouraging prognosis. Hezekiah was not only ill, but received a message from the prophet Isaiah, “Put your affairs in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.” (2 Kings 20:1 HCSB)
Hezekiah could have accepted the “death sentence” and “put his affairs in order.” However, in his desperation he, “…turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Please Lord, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what pleases You.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 20:2,3 HCSB)
On the positive side, Hezekiah knew he had lived a life pleasing to the Lord and brought “revival” to Judah. He sought the Lord with earnestness and tears. I am thankful that in our distress we can “cry out” to the Lord with the assurance that He hears us. We read in the Psalms, “In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.” (Psalm 118:5 NIV) “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 62:8 HCSB)
Before Isaiah left the palace, the Lord told him to return to Hezekiah with a response to his prayer. The Lord heard and gave a treatment solution for Hezekiah’s illness and he recovered. But even with Hezekiah’s prayer and the confirmation from the prophet of the Lord, he asked for a “sign.” He desired proof outside of the Lord’s word alone.
This situation and Gideon’s “fleece” are the two times we see in all of scripture where we see the Lord accommodating the doubts of those He spoke to. I believe many today would be more than excited to have God speak an audible word or have a prophet confirm an answer to prayer.
While we see God in His mercy, accommodating Hezekiah’s request, this is not a pattern or a precedent to constantly require God to “prove Himself.”
True trust, takes God at His Word. We see it reflected in the hymn of old, Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, And to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus says the Lord!” Our faith is what enables us to “lay hold” of God’s provision for our life.
In your need, turn to the Lord; cry out to Him; know that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV) As you do that rest in His presence and His promise.