A PRAYER IN DESPERATION

Isaiah 38:1-22

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD…. Isaiah 38:2 

Many of us can identify ourselves with the king in today’s reading— sometimes, life has hit us hard at the most unexpected times. This is how the chapter begins with Hezekiah. There is no reason given as to why Hezekiah was facing this crisis- was it his sin? Or was it a life lesson that God was teaching him. Whatever the reason, there are some wonderful truths we can glean from this portion as we mediate together and above all once again come face to face with a GOD of mercy, kindness and second chances. 

Notice that God begins by sending a warning to Hezekiah that his days are numbered and gives him time to put his life in order. That is indeed a God of mercy, giving time to introspect and repent. We need to always understand who our God is— Ezekiel 33:11 says – God does not have any pleasure in the death of the wicked but for them to turn from their evil ways. This is what Hezekiah did!

1. Private Prayer 

The moment Hezekiah heard the devastating word over his life (v.1), he sought the Lord with weeping. (v.3). This shows deep remorse and repentance. He knew very well that Only God could change the word spoken over his life. He did not speak to the prophets, elders, priests or Levites – v.2 says he prayed to the Lord.  Do we respond in the same manner- seeking God in times of trouble with repentance and prayer? 

What did he pray? 

2. Remember me Oh Lord!

What does he want God to remember? His faithfulness and devotion toward Him (v.3). The Bible records in 2 Chronicles 31:20 “This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.”  Though his father was a very wicked king, he did not choose to walk in his ways, rather walked in the ways of King David. So, he was confident that God would remember his deeds and be merciful to him. As for us today, we have this deep assurance that God will remember us and answer us because of our Saviour, our High Priest and Mediator who ever lives to answer us when we call. 

3. Answer provided 

In response to Hezekiah’s prayer we see God in His kindness, give in to his tears and providing a two-fold blessing – (v. 4) 

• Personal – 15years added to his life 

• National – deliverance from the Assyrian invasion

How many times have we cried out to the Lord in our distress (both physical & spiritual) and He has answered us because of His abundant mercy? –not that we deserved it but because of His goodness toward us! For Hezekiah it was lump of figs (v.22) – for us it could be provision for our family, forgiveness of sins, physical healing, a relationship reconciled, maybe even restoration of our relationship with God Himself. His answers to our cry cannot be numbered!

4. Yielded to the request 

Hezekiah after receiving God’s word of healing over him, asked for a sign, an assurance that he would indeed worship God in the temple in three days (v.32 & 2 Kings 20:8). God amazingly showed him a sign whereby the shadow of the sun went back 10 steps on the stairway of Ahaz— a feat only God could do! 

Today, for us to enter the presence of God, God gave us a sign! His Son – Jesus our Saviour who opened a new and a living way for us through His body and blood (Heb10:19&20). 

A dying Hezekiah received a sign that he will live for another 15 years; to a dying world God’s sign – His Son- offers everlasting life to all who would believe in Him!

Have you received this new life? If not today is the day to call unto Him. No matter how desperate your situation, He will hear, answer and save you!

Quote for the day: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” - 1 John 5:14

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