2 Kings 19:19 (NIV) – Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”
King Hezekiah of Judah was the author of this prayer for deliverance from his enemy. This was no ordinary enemy; this was the king of Assyria, a nation that was bent on the annihilation of all nations and their belief systems. After conquest, the king of Assyria would destroy and burn all forms of worship of that country. Nations fell and were subject to the ruler-ship of this dictator.
Judah’s king, Hezekiah, faced a challenge. His resources were outmanned, outnumbered and out-financed and the odds were not in his favor. After an exchange of messages with the king of Assyria that accomplished nothing, Hezekiah decided it was time to have a conference with God who could change everything. Coming to God and believing that He could make a difference was the key to the survival of Judah against the onslaught of evil. If Hezekiah had come to God with doubt in his mind of God’s ability or willingness to save the people, I think the story may have gone in favor of the Assyrian king.
In our prayers, we need to carefully consider if we believe what we pray for in the same way that King Hezekiah believed for when he prayed. There was apparently no doubt of God’s ability in the mind of Hezekiah. Even though he was facing intimidating circumstances, he knew that God was capable and able to change everything and provide a deliverance that was outside of Hezekiah’s power.
Based on Hezekiah’s example, is there any reason for us not to pray in complete, unwavering and undoubting faith?
Reflections
Context of scripture verse – 2 Kings 18-19
Consider:
- Read the context of the verses
Challenge:
- Are there areas in your life that you have stopped praying for? When you pray about these areas, do you ever think “why bother”?
Apply:
- Before you pray about your personal needs, consider each request and ask yourself, “How could God be glorified if He answered this prayer?” Take a close look at what you are praying for and assess who would benefit from the answer. Would it benefit you or God? You can be certain that if your prayers benefit God, He will most certainly benefit you.
Note to Self: (reflections, challenges, reminders)