Facing Life’s Challenges with Faith:
Lessons from Hezekiah’s Prayer
Many people ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The most straightforward answer I can offer is that we live in a fallen world. As believers, we are not exempt from life’s trials. The apostle Peter addresses this in 1 Peter 4:12-16, encouraging us to rejoice even in suffering, as we share in the sufferings of Christ. Our trials do not define us, but how we respond to them does.
The Problem: A Life of Trials
Hezekiah faced two monumental challenges: an impending invasion and a terminal illness. In Isaiah 36, the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sends an invasion force to Jerusalem, mocking Hezekiah and blaspheming God. But things take a turn for the worse in Isaiah 38 when the prophet Isaiah delivers more devastating news—Hezekiah’s illness is terminal, and he has only days to live. These challenges were not Hezekiah’s fault; even the most faithful are not immune to life’s difficulties.
Despite being one of Judah’s greatest kings, known for leading a significant revival (2 Chronicles 29-31), Hezekiah’s situation reminds us that trials often come without warning or reason. At the age of 39, he was told he would die soon. But instead of giving up, Hezekiah did the one thing he could—he prayed.
The Prayer: Turning to God in the Face of Despair
In both his personal crisis and when confronting the Assyrian army, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer (Isaiah 37:1, 14-20; 38:2). Prayer was a vital tool for Hezekiah, and it must be for us too. Throughout history, many have depended on prayer as their lifeline. Unfortunately, the passion for prayer, especially intercessory prayer, seems to be fading. Yet, God heard Hezekiah’s prayers and responded.
Hezekiah’s prayer was not based on self-righteousness but on his deep faith in God’s promises. As noted in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Hezekiah appealed to God’s faithfulness, much like the promises in Deuteronomy 7:12-15. He cried out: “Remember now, O LORD, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart” (Isaiah 38:3). His prayer was earnest, and his tears were a sign of his sincerity.
The Promise: God’s Faithfulness to His Word
Before Isaiah could even leave, God responded. In 2 Kings 20:3-4, God tells Hezekiah that his prayer has been heard, and He will grant him an additional 15 years of life. Hezekiah’s prayer was answered quickly, but not all prayers are answered in the same way. Some take time, like Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 10:10-13. Yet God is always faithful to His promises.
Hezekiah’s life needed to be extended to fulfill God’s covenant with David, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line—the line of the Messiah. This was not just about Hezekiah’s personal survival, but about God’s overarching plan. And just like Hezekiah, if God has made you a promise, you can trust that He will bring it to pass.
The Proof: A Miracle of Confirmation
To confirm His promise, God gave Hezekiah an extraordinary sign. In 2 Kings 20:9, the prophet asked Hezekiah whether the Lord should move the shadow forward or backward. Hezekiah chose for the shadow to move backward ten steps—a miracle that baffled both scientists and theologians alike. This miraculous sign affirmed that God has the power to reverse even the most desperate situations.
Reflection: Trusting God in Desperate Times
Just as God reversed the shadow’s movement, He can turn around desperate situations in our lives—whether it’s a failing marriage, wayward children, financial struggles, or health crises. Prayer is one of the keys that unlocks God’s intervention in our lives, and it demonstrates our dependence on Him. While it’s important to approach God in times of need, it’s even more crucial to make prayer a consistent part of our spiritual life.
How often do you engage in prayer with God? Is it a regular part of your spiritual growth and development, or only when challenges arise? Let’s strive to make prayer an integral part of our lives, trusting that God hears and responds to His people.
Remember, no matter how difficult life may seem, God specializes in turning around even the most desperate situations. Let’s hold on to His promises and trust in His perfect timing.
