Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not good, if peace and truth be in my days? (2 Kings 20:19 KJV)
Hope for a Better Year
As we embrace a new year, it offers hope for better circumstances than the challenges faced in the previous year. We seek improved health, dependable wealth, and a stable, happy family life. After enduring hardships and difficulties, the start of a new year represents a chance for positive change and the opportunity to manifest our desires for a better future.
Turmoil and Hopelessness
Devastating floods, hurricanes, and fires have left trails of destruction, while economic crises have shaken the foundations of stability. In the face of such adversity, many desperately need divine intervention, a miracle from God to alleviate their suffering and restore hope.
The relentless onslaught of natural disasters has displaced families, claimed lives, and left communities reeling. Homes have been reduced to rubble, livelihoods shattered, and the sense of security once taken for granted has been eroded. Economic turmoil has compounded the hardship, with job losses, financial insecurity, and the erosion of dreams adding to the collective burden.
Father God is our only source of hope and strength in such trying times. When life’s challenges seem insurmountable, and the path forward is shrouded in darkness, people either turn more strongly to God or go further away.
Unfulfilled Expectations
In our conversations with friends and loved ones, a recurring theme has emerged – the belief that the Lord would have returned before now. Little did we know how dire the state of the world would become, with each passing day bringing new challenges and turmoil.
The financial turmoil has left many struggling to make ends meet, while the divisiveness and unrest in society have frayed the fabric of our communities. Amidst this turmoil, it’s easy to feel as though the world is beyond repair, and the promise of the Lord’s return has been forgotten.
The demands of daily life can quickly consume our time and energy, leaving little room for connection with God. The constant barrage of distractions and the relentless pace of modern society can make it seem daunting to carve out dedicated time for prayer, Bible study, and fostering meaningful relationships. Therefore, we must be more determined than ever to cling to hope and faith.
King Hezekiah’s Lesson
When King Hezekiah was instructed to “put his house in order,” he fervently prayed to God for help. In response, God granted him an extra fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20), filling him with renewed hope. However, Hezekiah succumbed to complacency and arrogance, content that disaster would be postponed until his descendants’ time.
Misusing God’s Blessings
God’s blessings are often misused, with the misguided belief that His favor is deserved or earned. Hezekiah had many good deeds to his honor, but he fell into the trap of complacency and arrogance. Despite God’s miraculous extension of his life by fifteen years, Hezekiah squandered this precious gift. He flaunted the riches of his kingdom to the Babylonian delegation, showcasing the treasures of the temple and his personal wealth. This act of pride and hubris proved costly, as it ultimately led to the downfall of Judah (2 Kings 20:17-18).
Hezekiah’s mistake was that he focused solely on his personal well-being and failed to consider the consequences for future generations. His complacency allowed Judah to descend into idolatry (2 Kings 21:11), and during his extended years, his wife conceived Manasseh, one of Israel’s most evil kings. Manasseh’s gross sins, including the murder of the prophet Isaiah, ultimately led to the forfeiture of the land of Israel (2 Kings 21:9-16).
Hezekiah’s story serves to remind us that a life is not well lived until our children and future generations are included in the blessings of God. It is a sobering reminder that God’s blessings should be received with humility, gratitude, and a commitment to honor Him and secure a righteous legacy for those who come after us.
America’s Potential Turnaround
We believe God may grant America a reprieve, a few turnaround years, as an opportunity for repentance and for others to turn to Him. Just as He extended King Hezekiah’s life by fifteen years in response to his fervent prayer, God may show mercy and give our nation some extra time. However, we must not squander this potential blessing through complacency or arrogance, as Hezekiah did.
This would allow America to humble herself before the Lord, seek His face, and turn from wicked ways. If we as a nation can repent and realign ourselves with God’s righteousness, He may heal our land and restore His favor upon us. But we must use this gracious extension wisely, to honor God and secure a godly legacy for future generations, not merely for our own temporary comfort or gain.
Hezekiah’s Errors
1. He showed the Babylonian delegation his treasures throughout his kingdom, including those in the temple (2 Kings 20:13, 15), revealing Judah’s wealth and resources.
2. Hezekiah was primarily concerned with his personal well-being and did not consider the consequences for future generations (2 Kings 20:19).
3. His complacency and lack of vigilance allowed Judah to fall into idolatry during his extended years of life (2 Kings 21:11).
4. During the additional years granted to him, Hezekiah’s wife conceived Manasseh, who became one of Israel’s most evil kings. Manasseh killed the prophet Isaiah and committed gross sins, ultimately leading to the forfeiture of the land of Israel (2 Kings 21:9-16).
Using Time Wisely
We have a choice on how we use the time given to us. Dependence and faith in God will keep us connected to His righteousness. We need to NEED the Lord. Taking it easy is not advantageous for a healthy spiritual life. A brief sabbatical and practicing Shabbat are recommended in the scriptures for our physical bodies. God rested on the seventh day, the pattern we should follow. But never quit, and don’t resent the difficult times. Even in the tragic moments, God is with us and will be the most incredible comfort you will ever know.
Encouragement and Support
In the midst of life’s challenges and adversities, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Some of our dear friends and supporters are gradually rebuilding their strength and recovering from loss or illness. Our hearts go out to each of you, and we want to offer our unwavering support and sincere prayers.
Remember, God’s love and presence remain steadfast even in the darkest moments. He is the ultimate source of comfort, and His embrace can bring solace to the weariest of souls. Together, we can navigate these challenges, drawing strength from one another and finding hope in God’s promises.
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