Receiving God’s favor
About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’” When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly. Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: “Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. Yes, I will defend this city. Isaiah 38:1-5 NLT
There are moments that our faith in God comes and goes. This is why we need constant renewal. Though we know in our minds that we must rest in God but our actions are not proving what we believe. God alone is the only foundation under our feet. His promises and grace alone will secure our future. This is what the Scripture is teaching us. There are times that we sin and we wonder if trusting God is even possible again. Yet we realize that God meets us where we are. When our faith crashes and burns, God can use such experience so that we can be restored and have a new beginning. God can use our failure as His opportunity to accomplish His will for our lives. From the text, Hezekiah becomes seriously ill. Now God tells him that this illness will result to his death so he has to set his affairs in order. Instead, Hezekiah cries out for mercy. “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you” (Isaiah 38:3). There is nothing wrong with his request and God responded to his request. Though Hezekiah’s faith wavers, God had shown His patience. Also in His generosity, He gave Hezekiah a second chance. This time, what motivates Hezekiah is his commitment to God. This is what God is looking from us. It is important that we express to Him our commitment. And just like Hezekiah, we can experience God’s favor.
Blessings,
