Isaiah Chapter 38
When confronted with adversity and the fragility of our lives, how do we respond? How do we react when we receive news of a terminal illness? Isaiah 38 provides us with the insights into Hezekiah’s response when he was sick and near death (38:1).
In the face of impending death, Hezekiah turned to the Lord and fervently prayed for deliverance. He pleaded with God to remember his faithfulness and devoted walk before Him, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” (38:2).
We saw his reflection of his experience of being so near imminent death, feeling the brittleness of his bones and fragility of his flesh, “Like a lion, so He breaks all my bones; From day until night You made an end of me…My eyes fail from looking upward” (38:13-14). This reflection serves as a reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of seeking God in all circumstances, both good times and bad.
However, in the midst of dire circumstances, be it the Assyrian threat or his physical illness, he placed his trust in the all-powerful God. This serves as a powerful reminder for us that no matter the challenges we encounter, we can rely on the same omnipotent God who has the power to deliver us.
What is comforting is that God hears our prayers. God responded to Hezekiah’s plea by adding fifteen years to his life (38:5). Likewise, in our own lives, in times of despair, may we approach God with earnest prayer, trusting in His power and deliverance. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers and responds in ways that are best for us.
Although the outcomes may differ from our expectations, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that He works for our ultimate good (Isa 55: 8-9, Rom 8:28). Let us hold onto these as we navigate life’s challenges, knowing that our faithful God is always with us.
However, it is also essential that we remain vigilant and watchful in our faith, guarding against actions or decisions that may lead to undesirable outcomes. The subsequent chapter reveals Hezekiah’s downfall following his illness and deliverance. His unwise act of revealing treasures to the Babylonians serves as a sober reminder for us all.
May we learn from Hezekiah’s experiences and trust in God’s faithfulness through our journey of faith.
