Pray First

Read

2 Kings 20:1-19Isaiah 38:1-39:82 Chronicles 32:24-31Isaiah 38:1-5, “About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah … 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…’ 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…’”

Think

What is your first response to hearing horrific news? Do you deny it, do you scour for worldly solutions, do you try to handle it on your own? Or, do you turn to God?Once again, Hezekiah received bad news — this time about his own demise! And, once again, we see that his first response was to cry out to God. He didn’t demand a second opinion; he didn’t insist on verifying with a battalion of physicians in an attempt to figure out how to weasel his way out of death. He knew nothing or no one else could spare him apart from the Lord Himself. So, He turned to the One who could meet his need.Today’s reading shows the importance of communicating with God. He may not always answer our prayers the way we want, but He won’t answer them at all if we never make them in the first place.Who are you turning to FIRST as you face the challenges in front of you? Have you brought them before the Lord? Do so, and know that He will answer. And whatever His response, His way is always best!

Act

Pray

Dear God, I lay everything at Your feet. I know only You can do the impossible. Thank You for hearing my prayers and responding to them. Help me trust in You more, and make prayer my first response in all things. Amen.