They told him, "This is what Hezekiah says: This
day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the
point of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.
37:3
Footnote: Judah is compared to a woman who is trying to
give birth to a child but is too weak to deliver. When the situation seemed
hopeless, Hezekiah didn't give up. Instead, he asked the prophet Isaiah to pray
that God would help his people. No matter how bad your circumstances seem,
don't despair. Turn to God.
37:4 Footnote: Hezekiah did exactly what Isaiah had been
calling the people to do (chapters 1-35). He turned to God and watched him come
to Judah's aid. Turning to God means believing that God is there and that he is
able to help us.
37:8-10 Footnote: Although the answer to Hezekiah's
prayer was already in motion because Tirhakah was poised to attack, Hezekiah did
not know it. He persisted in prayer and faith even though he could not see the
answer coming. When we pray, we must have faith that God has already
prepared the best answer. Our task is to ask in faith and wait in
humility.
Chapter 38 Footnote: The events of chapters 38 and 39
happened before those of chapters 36 and 37.
38:1-5 Footnote: When Isaiah went to Hezekiah, who was
extremely ill, and told him of his impending death, Hezekiah immediately turned
to God. God responded to his prayer, allowing Hezekiah to live another 15
years. In response to fervent prayer, God may change the course of our lives
too. Never hesitate to ask God for radical changes if you will honor him with
those changes.
Hezekiah is a good reminder to pray, pray,
pray....about everything, anything and continually!
Keep reading -- 165 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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