“Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Remember those words? I sang them as a child. They have carried me through a lifetime.
King Hezekiah is “exhibit A.” Remember that the King of Assyria, Sennacherib had threatened Hezekiah and the Kingdom of Judah. His emissary had foretold the destruction of the people of God, mocking the ability of the Lord to protect his people. Hezekiah took his letter up to the temple, spread it out before the Lord, and prayed. He prayed, recognizing God’s sovereignty over the earthly king who mocked God. Then King Hezekiah boldly asked God for deliverance so that the kingdoms of the earth would know that the Lord is God. God answered his prayer, right on time.
“We are all just one phone call from our knees.” When all of life caves in, what then? Where will we turn on the hardest days of our lives? Hezekiah points the way upward. Next time we hear bad news, do not hesitate to take that news into the presence of our gracious God. Ask him to intervene. Our God specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too difficult for him. “In His arms, he’ll take and shield you. You will find a solace there. Take it to the Lord in prayer!”
