This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 27th September 2015 is part of our series of studies through the book of Second Kings – the 12th book in the Bible.
In this verse by verse study of chapter 19 we see a solid Biblical template for dealing with problems we encounter in life. Hezekiah was a king who “clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him” (2 Kings 18:6). Of Hezekiah we are told that “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did” (2 Kings 18:3). More than just merely outward actions, Hezekiah served God in his heart (just as David had done). So when faced with a seemingly impossible trial – the great Assyrian army encamped around the walls of Jerusalem – rather than bury his head in the sand, simply give up, or party like there is no tomorrow, Hezekiah “covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 19:1).
This is exactly what we must do when we encounter the ‘various trials’ James tells us to expect (James 1:3-4), trials that will ultimately strengthen our faith. Hezekiah then sends the top men in his kingdom to Isaiah in order to hear the World of the Lord. Are you prepared to give your most valuable resources to inquire after God’s Word when in need?
Oswald Chambers once said: “If we learn to worship God in the trying circumstances, He will alter them in two seconds when He chooses”.
May you be blessed and challenged as you listen to this study.
You can listen to the audio on this web page, or save it for later listening. The PowerPoint slides in PDF format are also available for download.
