07/23/18 Conversations with God

READING: Isaiah 38-39, 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32:24-33

“I have heard your prayer.”

Isaiah 38:5

Many of us who’ve read the Bible know the miracle . . . but I’m not sure we fully appreciate it. Hezekiah was the king, and he became terminally ill. The prophet Isaiah even told him to get his house in order, for he was about to die. In great grief, the king wept bitterly and prayed to God. The Lord heard his prayers and sent a response through Isaiah:  “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I am going to add fifteen years to your life’” (Isa. 38:5). 

There is so much in this verse that ought to amaze us. First, God heard Hezekiah’s prayer. The king spoke, and the One who rules over kings heard him. God was tuned in to the prayers of His leader. Second, God saw Hezekiah’s tears. Not a tear fell that God did not see; not a sob echoed from the king’s lips without God’s paying attention to it. Third, God not only heard the prayers and saw the tears, but he also granted Hezekiah 15 more years of life. He did so not because Hezekiah had earned it, but because He was gracious and loving. God gave the king more life simply because He saw it best to do so for His own glory and purposes. I remain amazed that the true God who created all things had an ongoing conversation with Hezekiah about his miraculous healing. 

In some ways, though, God’s willingness to hear our cries, see our tears, and respond to our requests is equally miraculous. Be amazed at God today.  

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Talk to God today. Share your griefs with Him, and trust Him.
  • Live in wonder that He hears any of us.  

PRAYER: “God, I love You. Thank You for life and grace.”

TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 40-42, Psalm 46

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