What will be noted in today’s passage is that God has the power to heal and the power to even reverse the rotation of the earth. Some key points from today’s passage are to handle flattery as well as criticism with spiritual victory by giving credit to God.

Reading 2 Kings 20, Hezekiah was sick and was told he would not recover, so he prayed to the Lord. He was emotional, and in his prayer explained that he had been devoted to Him. Immediately, the Lord responded and told Hezekiah that he would give him fifteen more years of life for the purpose of defending the city against the king of Assyria.

God gave a sign to Hezekiah that he would be healed by reversing the shadow back ten steps on the stairway (v. 11). The only conclusion one can get for this is that the Lord reversed the rotation of the earth for this to happen, but God made it happen to confirm that He would do what He had promised.

Although Hezekiah stands well the tests of illness and danger, he doesn’t respond well to the temptation of pride. Later in the passage, he showed the envoys of Babylon all his silver, gold, spices, and fine olive oil – his armory and everything found among his treasures (v. 13). They were impressed but this was a mistake because in the future, Babylon would know exactly what he had and take the treasure.

Other takeaways from today’s passage are to always be humble, kind, and have gratitude. In difficulty, we should have faith that God will set things up for less stress. With God, we are never rejected but always accepted so let us face criticism in a tactful way as we humbly listen for constructive ways to act upon the evaluation. After reflection and going to the Lord in prayer, think of actions that may need to be taken.

These days Lord the lines between virtue and sin are blurred. They are blended together so it’s hard to distinguish. In today’s reading, Hezekiah had pride, but pride is a sin when we take credit for accomplishment. Instead, Lord let us give You the credit. We are not the center of the universe Lord, but You are. You control even the rotation of the earth, so we humbly come to you in prayer. With You Lord, there is no limit. You are unstoppable and with You Lord, we can handle the challenges we face. You can use us to do amazing things to fulfill Your purpose and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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