2 Kings 18-20

So, some light shines in the darkness in 2 Kings 18-20 through Judah's King Hezekiah.  Much of Israel (the other faction) is exiled from their homeland by the Assyrians, but this guy in Judah gets it right like the great King David, serving God as He reigns.  His time as king is full of challenges.  The king of Assyria threatens to take Hezekiah and Judah down with his skilled and well-equipped entourage.  However, God works out the details of Assyria's defeat instead.  Hezekiah is near death from an illness, but God restores his health because of his sincere and heartfelt prayer.  There are no ifs, ands, or buts about King Hezekiah's loyalty to God.  God is with him, making him successful.  

Finally, there's a leader in Judah who puts God first, just like King David, and it shows!  This is such good news in the middle of Israel's biblical soap opera we've been reading.

As I read, I just want to figure it out, you know?  What does this Hezekiah do right?  How does he do it?  He has this really strong, direct connection to God, and I want to learn to do what he does...

4 He removed the high places,smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.[a])

5 Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.

2 Kings 18:3-5

The man basically cleaned house for God, with Him in mind at all times.  He trusted God, and He was really good at putting it all out there in prayer.

It seems so simple when I look at it that way, but I think it gets complicated when we have to follow through in the middle of our chaotic and ever-changing lives.  

So, what about it?  How do I need to clean house with God in mind?  How do I need to trust God more?  And what do I need to bring before God in prayer?

I always have room to grow in my faith, so there's always something more I can do...

And when I do, life just gets better and better.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for being my strength and my redeemer.  Forgive me for the ways I act on my own imperfect thoughts and ways day to day.  Help me to clean house for You on a regular, as-needed basis.  Show me where and how to trust You more.  And, Lord, open my heart to all the things I need to bring to You in prayer.  Speak to me.

I want to follow You and do what is right in Your eyes.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Love of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.