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2 Chronicles Chapter 32 (ESV)
22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all his enemies, and he provided for them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts to the Lord to Jerusalem and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from that time onward.
24 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
27 And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; 28 storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. 29 He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. 30 This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place.
REFLECTION:
- Trials can reveal our natural instinct. God tested Hezekiah in order for him to know his shortages and all that was in his heart (32:31). God did not forsake him nor tempt him to sin nor trick him. The purpose of trials is to add strength to him, nurture his character, and prepare him for the tasks ahead.
- Most Christians can live a faithful life in smooth-going times but our faith is weak when we encounter pressure, hardship and suffering. People who are close to God will receive inner strength from God so they don’t have to worry about being collapsed under pressure. We cannot bear pressure because we do not trust God’s sovereignty and goodness in our lives. Reflect how you will react under pressure or adversity. Will you give in or ask God for help?
PRAYER:
Ask God to bless you not to lead you into temptation but deliver you from evil. If you are under trial like King Hezekiah, ask the Holy Spirit to help you and give you wisdom of discernment to know that the purpose of the trial is to refine your life to make you closer to God and after His own heart.
HYMN:
“Oceans” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBJJJkiRukY
