“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death…‘This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.' ‘Remember O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion’…‘the LORD says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you…I will add 15 years to your life.’” 2 Kings 20:1-6.
Sin and illness were born through the fall of Adam and Eve. It was never a part of God’s plan but quickly became the center part of existence. Throughout the Bible some of the most fervent prayers have been written and spoken on behalf of healing illnesses. King Hezekiah was living a rich and full life, but began experiencing troubling symptoms. He continued to grow sicker and weaker daily until it seemed that the inevitable was upon him. He was given the news that things were as dire as he thought and that the end was near. I doubt he had little strength left, but what he did possess he gave in fellowship to God. He wasn’t ready to leave his life, and he had enough confidence in God’s grace and goodness to ask for more time. We are only given a snapshot of his prayer, but a what a beautiful prayer it was. It was a reminiscing prayer of the time he had shared with God over the years. It was a prayer where he reminded God of how much he had served and loved Him with his whole heart. It was a God-centered prayer from a man who knew God was first and center. It was a prayer that moved the heart of God to healing.
We all have experienced that phone call…that text…that decision out of our control. We have all had those ‘drop to our knees’ moments where God becomes the central part of our days. We seek Him wholeheartedly asking for more time…a different outcome…a different plan. God hears every one of our prayers, so why wouldn’t we ask Him for what our hearts desire? He gives us the authority and invitation to approach Him with our needs, petitions and requests. But, first and foremost He wants our intimacy with Him apart from our desires. Just as we want joyful daily fellowship with our loved ones He also wants to be more than a God of crisis. He wants to be a God of everything. My grandmother used to say that God is the God of everything or He is the God of nothing.
We may not get everything for which we pray as a result of our walk, but we are guaranteed the full abundance of Jesus to face every circumstance in which we are called to walk. We must get our spiritual houses in order if we are to access the life giving promises of God.
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