Prayer – Day 3

Among the Old Testament kings of the Bible, Hezekiah is regarded as one of the very best. Scripture records that none of the kings before or after him were as close to God as he was. However, halfway through his life, Hezekiah became ill and was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die. Hezekiah prayed to God for healing, and wept bitterly so God sent Isaiah to tell the king that he’d granted him fifteen more years of life.

What was Hezekiah’s response? He gave neither thanksgiving nor praise. Instead, he demanded proof that his healing had truly come from God. And when some important visitors came to see him, God watched him to see if he would witness to them about his healing. But he neglected to do so.

Isaiah once again visited Hezekiah’s palace bringing a message from God; this time however, there would be no good news. Hezekiah heard that he would soon be carried off, and that his sons would become slaves to the king of Babylon.

The story of Hezekiah teaches us that God is a gracious God, but he is not at our beck and call. But if we pray for healing and God grants those prayers, it’s important to give him the glory.