Our Problems, God’s Opportunity

“Hezekiah prayed to the Lord:  ‘O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.’” 2 Kings 19:15

During the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the King of Assyria was on a conquering rampage, taking over all of the nearby nations. Sennacherib threatened Hezekiah, basically demanding that he surrender, because the nation of Judah was next in his path of conquest (2 Kings 18 and 19).

I love Hezekiah’s response. First he consulted Isaiah the prophet to ask how God wanted him to respond. Next, Hezekiah physically laid out the message he had received from Sennacherib’s servants and prayed over it before God. He worshiped and praised God who rules over the kingdoms of the earth. He reminded God that He was in charge, that He could make things happen. Then Hezekiah asked for deliverance from his enemy. And God answered his request.

Our country recently elected a new President. At his inauguration, Scripture was read, reminding our new leader that God alone is in charge of our nation. He and our country were prayed over, asking God to help Him to wisely lead us.

I don’t want to be content that this is enough. I want to be committed to praying for our country, our President, and our leaders, elected and appointed. No matter my vote or political ideologies, I need to seek God’s face. Like Hezekiah, I need to acknowledge that God alone rules the kingdoms of the earth. Like Hezekiah, I need to ask God to make things happen, as only He can. “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psalm 33:22)

Carol C. and her husband have been married for nearly 50 years.  She is a proud mother and grandmother, as well as a teacher and author.  For more on the Study With Friends Bible Studies, click here.