There are times when our faith is tested as it was with King Hezekiah who was going through difficulty as explained in Isaiah 37. He didn’t turn to something harmful to help him handle the situation but turned to God for reassurance and help. The lesson learned is that the best way out is always through. God gives courage to make it through days of difficulty, times of criticism, and embarrassment. He’s in control and can bless with victory in all we do. Many today lack the courage and try to find a way to escape by using things like alcohol or drugs. In this reading, Hezekiah shows that it’s best to turn to God for support. Pray for reassurance and courage.

As written in Isaiah 38, Hezekiah became ill and was told he was dying. He went to God in prayer and was given more time because God saw that Hezekiah had a purpose; to praise and follow Him. If we build our life day by day, remembering who we belong to, and live for the reason of following God’s will, we can find a happiness that we never thought could be ours. Dwight L. Moody, the American evangelist and publisher in the 1800’s said once “We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine”. Think about your purpose and the way God wants you to shine. During your prayer today, ask God to bless that purpose.

After Hezekiah became well, his focus was no longer on God for help. He lost his focus and paid more attention to his own interest. God wants us focus on being the best we can be by following His guidance and being interested in the wellbeing of others. During your prayer today, ask that you give honor to God. Focus on God and His people. Be humble, have concern for others, and think of ideas that may help others be the best they can be.

All of us want to be able to look back on life and say, “I did my best, I gave it my all, I did what needed to be done.” A big country hit these days is “The House that Built Me” by Miranda Lambert. It’s about looking back on memories of the past and how they make the person we are today. When I listen to the song, it makes me think about how God’s house the church has built and continues to build people who do great things for Him.

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• Take inspiration from this video: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns 

Thanks for letting me share.

Mark