They said to him, "Thus says Hezekiah, 'This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. "
2 Kings 1:3
If you have ever had a baby or seen the birthing process you can identify with King Hezekiah. He is in a bad way. The King of Assyria has not only insulted him personally but on more than one occasion tried to "mess with" the psyche of his armies. The king is out of strength. He is whooped, beat, can't make it one more day.
Have you been there before? Are you there right now? I don't know a single person who has not "been there experienced that." We are not promised a "rose garden" life as Christians. In fact, numerous times in the Bible we are told that we will have trouble and hardship. This trouble may be extremely difficult at times. We may experience distress, rebuke, and rejection.
Hezekiah did not even have the strength to visit Isaiah the prophet for personal counsel. He sent his administrator and other officials. They brought back encouraging words despite these words, the attacks still came. He received another letter from his enemy. More distress. More rebuke. More rejection. When he could take it no longer he used the last bit of strength he had to pick himself up, go the Temple of the Lord, and spread the distressing letter out before the Lord.
I LOVED the visual of Hezekiah, the powerful king of Israel, humbly, with all his remaining strength spreading out his trouble before the Lord God. What he prayed gave me holy goose bumps! I wrote every powerful word of his prayer in my notebook. I could feel his declaration to the Lord. Oh, the words are so good they bear repeating.
"O LORD, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Bend down, O LORD, and listen! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Listen to Sennacherib's words of defiance against the living God.
2 Kings 19:15-16b [Emphasis mine]
2 Kings 19:15-16b [Emphasis mine]
If you want to feel some real power and real holy goose bumps read it out loud. Subtitute your distress, rebuke, and rejection for the phrase "Sennacherib's word of defiance against the living God" and feel the power rising up from within. I have already decided this will be my prayer the next time I am have no strength and need to spread my trouble out before the Lord.
17 Comments:
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Morning Sisters,
Wendy this was JUST what I needed to hear right now! I will be writing this in my journal as well and praying it over my situation! I just read in the book "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs this morning, "don't doubt the light from God's Word in dark times." I prayed over what I read in that book and then I read this post and God is already answering my prayers. During the dark times we need His Word so very much to be the light for our paths. It is so easy to be sucked into the darkness. Another sentence I read in the book said that only real healing and comfort comes from the Lord and trusting Him with my situation. I thank you Wendy and ladies to always keep me looking at what God says, not always with what I feel.
Have a blessed day!
Brandee, TN
Good Morning,
Yes I've been at that edge, with no strength left. And God always comes through - always.
I read the prayer a few times, it gains strength each time you read it. But it is always that way with Gods word, the more we read it the more it empowers us.
Have a great day everyone!
Lynn
PS
Personal praise report -
Yesterday I was confronted by a very angry rebellious person that lashed out to me about someone else and something I didn't do, but at the same time said hurtful things directed at me - I walked away not saying a thing (because I knew it would be very fleshy if I did right then) I went to my desk and said "God give me wisdom" that's all I could say. He told me to leave it alone, and in His hands. He showed me that this person does not have a renewed mind and any attempt to confront the person on the wrongs they did and said would fall on deaf ears. This person is so accustomed to getting their way in everything that "I" was not going to be able to convince them how rude and selfish they were being.
So the praise is I gave it to the Lord, I didn't say anything, and I was actually nice to them the rest of the day. It's easier to give to God that to let Him keep it.
Personal growth thanks for listening.
Lynn
Wendy....thank you!!!! How I needed this today!
Long story short, yesterday I was at the Dr.'s because I was certain I had an ear that needed to be flushed. (I have this done periodically so I know the procedure.) However, my Dr. claimed that my ear is blocked due to an infection, lots of fluid etc...and he put me on 3 meds and wants me back next week. Having lived without much hearing over the past 8 days, and being so confident the Dr. was going to remedy that in seconds yesterday morning, I came home so defeated and disappointed. I know it might sound like a little thing, but I feel such pressure in my head due to this and it's like I'm living in a tunnel. It also puts me off balance. Anyway, although I was suppose to grocery shop after my ap't, instead I came home because I just needed to fall on my knees, pray, and have a good cry. The Lord did provide the strength I needed to "rise again" (the verse I wrote about yesterday) and I'm praying He will work a miracle on my ear. (The Dr. said it could take 6 weeks to clear!) Brandee, I love how you shared that only real healing and comfort comes from the Lord. Amen!
Lynn, rejoicing in the strength God gave you in your situation. I often think of how Christ, when accused, "answered not a word". You are choosing the character of Christ and following His example. Praying He will encourage your heart.
This morning my heart was also encouraged by Isaiah 37:26, "But have you not heard? I decided this long ago. Long ago I planned it, and now I am making it happen."
I don't like sudden changes. I'm not a 'fly by the seat of your pants' gal, deciding a course of action as I go along. I'm not into "winging it". Improvisation and spontaneity intimidate me. I'm not comfortable living for the moment IN the moment.
Although I do enjoy a good surprise, I like to know ahead of time what is expected. I book hotels before I reach my destination. I take a grocery list to the store. When I was first married I even had a cleaning schedule that included daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal activities. I have a friend who would phone on Tuesday afternoons just to make sure I was following my agenda and really scouring those bathrooms!
The Lord works from a pre-arranged plan as well. Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day passed."
You have no idea how that calms my heart. I need to know that Someone is orchestrating each day of my life. I don't want to think that coincidence or chaos is in control. When unexpected circumstances suddenly startle me, I hold on to the fact that God didn't even blink an eye. This is part of His plan. He is not shocked or wondering, 'how on earth did that happen?'
These unanticipated events are not all unwelcome interruptions. God has plans for us that are immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
I like to read the verse from Isaiah above with a flavour of anticipation. I imagine the Lord saying with enthusiasm, 'Haven't you heard? I'm so excited! I've been waiting to give this to you for so long and the time has come. Today's the day!'
He has dreams for us that are on their way, even now. He is going to fulfill the longings He placed in our heart. We can trust Him even when we don't understand. He is not writing our life story as He goes along, uncertain as to the ending. The chapters were completed before we were born. His purpose and plans for us will prevail. He is going to make it happen.
Today could be the day!
Joy
Oh, Wendy, I, too could feel the goosebumps as Hezekia in desperation prayed to Our God; his prayer, was short and sincere. I loved verse 19 too: "Now, O LORD our God, rescue us from his power, then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O LORD, are God."
That power is in us; we have His Holy Temple living right inside us. It is not comprehendable. The more I seek Him, His Will for me, the more I spend time with Him through morning q.t. & prayer, the more close I get to Him. The more He reveals this power. I firmly believe we can do all things through Christ. When we are operating in His Will, anything can happen. The miracles we are reading about in the O.T. can happen today. It all gets back to, "do I believe that it can happen? Do I put my trust in God, alone." Day by day, my desire is to grow deeper into relationship with Him.
Now, ladies, was the amazing victory just what we thought? It was even better! Only God. Always, He does things better than we could ever even think of. An angel killed the Assyrian soldiers! I love it! God changes the impossible to the possible! We just have to believe and seek Him. Lay our burdens over to Him.
This man, Hezekia, encouraged his people to trust in God as their only hope of survival against Assyria. Today, it is the same, we put all our trust in God. He is our only hope.
Intentionally living today, Lori AZ
PS Carmen I was touched by the fact that you pray for people as you go on your morning walks! Colorado-beautiful country created by God! You are blessed!
Karen, Enjoy some peace in every moment; so happy you have this period of reflection to get recharged for your next assignment!
Looking forward to hearing about Switzerland!
Morgen, oh, Alaska...how fun! Burr!
I could use some "burr" right now. We've been enjoying 114 degree weather! hah!
Wendy, I had the pleasure of listening to your, "Living Free in Christ, CD," yesterday as I was driving. You speak, like you write; honestly, encouraging, down-to-earth,& real. I LOVED your drawl too. :) I just imagined you'd have an accent! :)
Amen, Amen and Amen Sisters Bring it on.
Diane
Just popped back on the read comments and to write down some of what Wendy posted today. Joy, your post blessed me so much. Our days are NOT a surprise to God, He has them all planned out. My current trials are not a surprise to Him, He knew all before hand and is using it to work me more into the image of His Son. WOW! I love what you said about God saying, "I have been waiting for so long to give this to you, today is the day!" I also wrote in my journal the quote Lori posted yesterday from Charles Swindoll that said God moves on uneventful days. You ladies have blessed me so much these last few days, you always do, but I so needed to read what you have shared. God knew that though and He is answering my prayers for wisdom and guidance through you all.
Love you sisters and I am so thankful to be on this journey with all of you!
Oh my gosh, it is raining like it has never rained before! I feel like the house is going to come tumbling down around me! The walls are shaking. And, I love it! We never get rain. I'm missing my prayer-walk, but I'm getting some extra computer time....JOY I LOVE WHAT YOU WROTE. oh my goodness, I've never looked at it from this view! Oh my dear sister God is flowing out of you this morning...you are writing what we need to hear! What a blessing you are today! Thank you so much...and I have the biggest smile on my face right now. I can just totally relate. We are two peas in a pod. Only I have no writing talent my friend! I'm not spontaneous either! hahah
I just cracked up reading about your cleaning schedule...you've got me topped! :) :) :) Like me, you probably arrange the pillows on the sofa before going to bed too! :)
But, what really hit me is what you said about, all of "our unanticipated events" they are not all unwelcome interruptions. ...God has everything already planned out. Oh my gosh this just excites me.
Thank you, and thank you ALL! You give me so much wisdom, so much to think and ponder over. Dear Ladies, whatever comes our way, we can handle. Yes, it is tuff being a woman in today's world. But, we've got God inside us. His power right inside us. Fill us Lord, with your Holy Spirit. Lord, fill each one of us today with YOU. Allow each one of us today to believe YOU more. To really believe You. To know that you are with us, and that you will not place anything in our path that we can not get through. Bend down, close, right next to us, so that we feel you today. Each sister, LORD. Touch each one of us in a way today, that we have not felt before. Lord we seek you and today we WILL find you. Amen.
In awe of my Planner this morning!
Lori - AZ
PS Going on a trip tomorrow...you'll get a little break from my long comments. :)
Taking my Bible tho with me! Can't wait to return and read your comments!
Wow. I'm feeling filled after reading your comments. aaahh.
I like proof. So I stopped and reread 2Kings 19:29-31. I went to a Bible commentary that explained the first of those verses thus: because of the siege that Assyria had laid on Jerusalem, no crops had gotten planted. Then the next year was to be the year of rest where no crops are planted. Now look how God promised to provide! To trust that and then see God's promise come true...wow! I'm a planner and controller too; I'd want to know where next year's food was coming from. Lord help my unbelief. Help me to know that even as you meet the needs for every living creature, so too will you supply my every need. Take away my worry.
Amen...and ditto to Diane: bring it on ladies!
Morgen
Good Morning,
This is the first time I have added my comment to this blog but I have been reading along with you for several months. I get so much out of Wendy's teaching, as well as the insights of my sisters in Christ, some are like you are living my life and speaking to my heart. Thank you all.
This morning reading 2 Kings 19:9-13 particularly struck me. When Sennacherib send his message to Hezekiah saying don't you know the power I have? Don't you know all the battles I have won? It just made me think that is what the devil says to us so many times, and he trys to convince us that our God isn't big enough or strong enough to win the battle. But then God answered Sennacherib by reminding him that all the battles he won were because it was part of God's plan to win the hearts of His people back. That God already knows the end and that he is in control.
This spring my 14 year old daughter (my youngest) and some of her friends were suspended from school for smoking pot. I didn't know what to do or were to turn. We have always taken our kids to church, my girls had been attending a small Christian school for the previous 2 school years. We thought that we knew their friends and the friends parents. We thought we were doing all the things that good Christian parents are supposed to do to raise their children right. This experience has taken me to the edge and I had no strength left to fight, but I rejoiced when I read God's answer to Hezekiah this morning, it was like God was talking to me.
We don't have to let the devil win. I have spread this out before the Lord and pleaded with Him to save my daughter.
This morning I got my answer.
He will win this battle and He will win her heart! Hallelujah!
I pray that all of you will have a wonderful day and rejoice in the battles, because God has already won.
Patty
Patty,
Welcome! I loved your insight today! Thank you so much for sharing...reminds me of a verse I have to say over and over to myself:
"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them." Lord, thank you for allowing these troubles in our day. You care about us, and you know what is good for us. You will never fail to take care of all of our needs.
lori - AZ
PS sorry girls, but it's still raining, and my house is as clean as it can get (Hehehe) so I have lots of computer time!
Joy, that verse you mentioned in Psalms 139, well I've been reading this whole chapter this morning, in all of the different translations. It is coming alive to me in a way it never did before! Read it again ladies if you get the chance. Love ya all!
Encouragement and welcome to Patty! You are doing your part as a Christian parent; now step back and let God do His.
Bring your child up in His ways and she will return to them.
Patience and prayer my friend.
Morgen - MN
Good Afternoon Ladies,
Thanks for your encouraging words! Hezekiah's prayer reminded me of a prayer of David that I pray in times of distress:
Psalm 61
1Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
This prayer always brings peace and rest to my troubled heart. I’m so glad we serve a sovereign God and nothing can surprise him!!!
Please remember me in your prayers for the next 8 days I will be traveling to Michigan to a Conference. I pray I will have the opportunity to share God's love to those who are without a Savior.
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Good afternoon ladies. Wow, what rich comments today.
I also loved the picture of Hezekiah spreading out the letter in front of God. I could so relate!
Can't you just picture yourself on your knees with your piles of letters - one about your marriage, one or more for your children, one for your parents, one for your job, one for your friendships, one for your health, one for your etc., etc? All placed on the floor in desperate need of answers.
I don't know about you, but when I picture myself, I sometimes feel like the piles of letters are so huge that God can't see me in the middle of them. But today's verses, and all your beautiful words, remind us that God does see us in the middle of our letters and He answers each one in His precious way and time.
Oh Father, thank you that we can spread out all our letters, our cares, concerns, worries, and issues in front of you. Thank you that you know each one, but even more that you love the one spreading them. You are such a great God. Thank you for never being surprised. Thank you for your love!
Blessings on your Tuesday!
Oohh, Wendy! This is powerful stuff! Thanks so much for sharing your insight! You are truly an encouragement to us!!
Hugs!
Susan
Wendy,
Today's reading brought so much encouragement to me. This summer has been MORE than hard (I've missed just being around all of the encouragement from the office!). When I came to Hezekiah's prayer, I did just that - read it out loud. It so reminded me of the power of my mighty God. He is incredible!
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Lynn
Wendy~WOW, thank you so much for the words you shared over today's reading....I have been really struggling and this was the "pep talk" I needed....In fact, talked with a girlfriend today that was sharing her own struggles, so I e-mailed your words to her too! We appreciate YOU!!
Raylene
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