Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

24 July 2024

Reading From Isaiah 37-39

“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.” 

–Isaiah 38:1-6

     Our God is sovereign.  He can do whatever He pleases.  Yes, our days are numbered and yes, God knew before any of this happened that King Hezekiah would become ill, that he would nearly die but that the king would also call upon Him and that He would relent, show mercy and prolong the king’s life.  I see in this story not a God who changes His mind, but One who partners with humanity in seeing His plans and will come to pass within our reality of time and space. 

     It is a wonderful and mysterious to me how the Lord weaves the events and lives among billions of humans given free moral agency together to form the tapestry of history.  Trillions of decisions, great and small, and all of the ripples of ramifications overlapping all spheres of influence.  Only our God, with His infinite knowledge and wisdom, could orchestrate the universe in such a beautiful and complex way. 

     This end of life change in trajectory for Hezekiah shows evidence of the power of prayer, the tremendous effect of faith, and showcases the tender mercy of our Heavenly Father.  Even when a situation appears hopeless, never give up.  Call on the Name of the Lord our God and plead for what seems to be impossible.  Have the kind of faith that approaches the throne of grace boldly, asks for things only God can accomplish, and rest in the knowledge that no matter how the future unfolds, God has your back every step of the way. 

“Lord, thank You that You take care of Your children in ways that are more marvelous than any of us could ever think or imagine.  You provide for our every need and bless us with more abundance than we can handle.  We praise You for the redemption, power, healing and hope that You pour into our lives.  Be honored and glorified by our prayers and petitions as we call upon Your matchless Name.  Such as only You can save us.  Only You can answer our prayers.  In the Name of our Lord and Savior I pray, Amen.”

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

–Ephesians 3:20-21