“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you prayer.”
Hezekiah was the first king in a while to be written about as one that followed in all the ways of the Lord (Chapter 18:5-8). Here we find him distressed because the king of Assyria had Jerusalem surrounded on all sides was was about to destroy it. It was basically a death sentence for the king and the people. The king of Assyria sent Hezekiah a message and read it out loud at the city gates in Hebrew so all the people of the city could hear it. In chapter 19:32 the messenger says, “Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’” As a result, Hezekiah sends for Isaiah the prophet to get a word from the Lord. Isaiah sends a note back to the king and tells him that Lord will send the king of Assyria back to his own home and there he will be cut down with a sword. (verse 6-7)
We learn in chapter 19:10-13 that the king of Cush was marching out to help Hezekiah and sent him a rebuke. “Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, “Jerusalem will not be given in to the hands of the king of Assyria.” He then informs Hezekiah of all the cities and countries that this king of Assyria has taken.
In the same way, Satan has a way of questioning your resolve. The first thing he will do is question your reliance on God. “Will God really answer your prayer?” “Will the Lord really heal you?” Notice that this rebuke comes from one of Hezekiah’s allies, not his enemy. You see, believing in the Lord is OK when things are going well but when you are up against an army and facing emending doom, that is when you get tested. Are you going to trust in the Lord or not?
When the message was delivered to Hezekiah by the king of Assyria letting him know of their impending doom, he went straight to the house of the Lord and prayed. How often do we do the opposite? As soon as we see some symptoms coming on we go the doctor for some drugs. As soon as we have a fight with our loved ones we get advice from a friend or relationship guru. When our world starts turning to mush we break down and give into the poor me diatribe instead of going to God for help. John 14:13-14 tells us to ask anything in the name of Jesus and it will be given to us so the that the Father may be glorified.
Most every king that preceded Hezekiah did not do this, they would consult with their leaders, worship false gods, or send a “please don’t kill us note” to the enemy. But Hezekiah instead went straight to prayer and verse 20 is God’s response, “because you prayed….”.
Matthew 7:9-12 confirms that God is a great father and will give you good gifts. He is not mad at you. Instead, He has His arms open wide and will run to you as soon as he sees you coming home. Verse 35 tells us that God sent an angel to the Assyrian camp and wiped out 185,000 men in one night. The Assyrian king packs up and goes home where his two sons kill him with a sword. You have to trust the Lord, He will do what He says He will do.
Today, instead of consulting with friends, reading your horoscope, or trying to figure things out on your own, pray! To the natural, worldly eye it seems out of step but to Christians, it is a direct line to God. It does not have to be fancy or filled with $50 dollar phrases from the Bible. Here is an outline for you:
1. Acknowledge the Lord in your life as the top dude, the head honcho. The one who holds the whole world in his hands.
2. Thank Him for listening to your prayer
3. State your case or issue, don’t be selfish.
4. Thank Him for putting his hand on your issue.
5. Acknowledge him as the King of kings and Lord of lords in your life again and say amen.
You cannot win the race if you don’t even begin to run. Choose to run with God in your life and you will find your prayers becoming more frequent.
Prayer: Father help us to go to you in prayer in all things. Not just when we are hurting and out of strength, but in all things. Help us also say thank you for everything we have been blessed with. In Jesus name, amen.
Let It Go 
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