One very salient reality you must hold on to as you read this piece is that the spiritual realm controls the physical realm. In other words, every physical happening is only a play-out of what already occurred in the spiritual realm.
Have you ever wondered what connection the holding up of a rod has to do with winning a battle at the war front? This was what Moses did when Israel went to battle with the Amalekites. (See Exodus 14).
As we read the account of King Hezekiah in the scriptures, we see a similar pattern. The spiritual affects the physical.
Here are the key lessons from his crisis on how to turn around any situation.
What We Learn from King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19
It appears also that King Hezekiah seemed to understand this reality when he faced a life-threatening situation. The king of Assyria had threatened to destroy the remnant of the country’s citizens and plunder whatever they had.
Upon reading the letter sent by the Assyrian king, King Hezekiah did two things:
1. Seek Godly Counsel
First, he sent a message to the prophet Isaiah, reporting the matter, and asking him to pray for the nation. (See 2 Kings 19:1-4). Isaiah told him what God was going to do.
Always seek the advice of those who walk with God when in crisis. A Godly person speaks from the wisdom of God. They will also pray with you in seeking God’s intervention.
Puzzle
Answer
2. Seek Divine Help
Note that after this, the king of Assyria was “distracted” by Libnah, another nation he went to battle with. (See 2 Kings 19:8). So, the Assyrian king told Hezekiah not to fool himself by trusting in God. This made Hezekiah go into the “control room” to talk to the Controller- and directly this time around. He went into the temple, spread out the letter from the king, and prayed.
I believe you’re learning some vital lessons from Hezekiah’s account, aren’t you?
The second thing Hezekiah does is to take it to God. Trusting God in crisis is a strategy for battles and challenges. King Hezekiah knew this fact, and we see his open surrender and trust in God during a war that was impossible for him to win.
He seeks the only one that is more powerful than anyone and anything else.
Every physical battle is won or lost in the spiritual realm. We see this in God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer. 2 Kings 19: 25 “`Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old, I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stones.
On one single night, God’s angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.
The Assyrian king was known to have defeated many pagan kings in the past.
Hezekiah’s Prayer for Deliverance
15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
16 Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God.
17 “It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.
18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by men’s hands.
19 Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”
How to Turn a Difficult Situation Around
Life happens to all of us. Sometimes, what happens to us is not what we planned. But when unpleasant things happen, remember that you have an ally ready to help you and turn things around in your favor.
However, one thing is critical: you must ask Him for help. Hezekiah asked for help.
Turn a Crisis into Victory-What You Need to Know
- The spiritual realm controls the physical realm: Every physical success has a spiritual backup
- God is an unfailing ally: call upon Him when things aren’t going the way you want them to.
- Ask for help: Never assume God’s just going to help; He’s a perfect Gentleman, He doesn’t intrude, you’ll need to ask Him for help.
- Prayer works: God still answers prayers.
- Trust: Keep your heart on God in the face of adversity.
- Victory is certain: There will always be light at the end of the tunnel for everyone who asks God for help.
The Battle Is the Lord’s; The Victory is Yours
Indeed, the threat of the Assyrian king was no empty threat. No, he was dead serious.
He had a track record for ruthlessly dealing with nations they went to battle with and destroying their gods. Hezekiah raised all these genuine concerns to God, for he was afraid.
I love the end of the story. In one single night, God sent an angel into the camp of this boaster and God-blasphemer, and the angel killed 185,000 soldiers (2 Kings 19:35 )!
That was unprecedented!
In the same way, as you ask for help, the Almighty God will surprise you and silence all your mockers in Jesus’ name.
Guess what? This boastful Assyrian king became weak and ashamed because of this great defeat. He returned to his land, and while he was worshiping his idol, his sons killed him.
Prayer
In the battles of life, Lord, fight for me!
Conclusion
It’s amazing how things can turn around when we involve the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Heaven! I am sure you’d want to talk to Him right away to see Him turn things in your favor, right? Please go right ahead!
Hezekiah’s Powerful Prayer: 10 Lessons
Prepare for Prayer
Hezekiah ascended to God just as we must rise above trials to seek Him. (2 Kings 19:14)
Bring It Before God
Lay your battles and decisions before the Lord, not the enemy. (2 Kings 18:32)
Don't Listen to Lies
The enemy may tempt you with doubt, but trust God’s promises. (2 Kings 18:33)
Silence the Enemy
Speak to God, not the adversary. Trust in His strength. (2 Kings 18:36)
Adore God First
Begin prayer by honoring God, who dwells among us. (Matthew 6:9)
Faith Over Fear
Hezekiah trusted God alone, despite threats. Believe in His power. (2 Kings 19:10)
Pray with Passion
Hezekiah asked God to see and hear his cry. He’s always listening! (2 Kings 19:16)
God's Reputation Matters
Pray for His glory, and He will move on your behalf. (Daniel 9:17)
Stand Firm in Truth
Don’t let the enemy's success intimidate you—God is greater! (2 Kings 19:18)
Make His Glory Known
Hezekiah prayed for God’s name to be exalted in all the earth. (2 Kings 19:19)
FAQ
They are God’s special agents. They carry out different assignments such as delivering messages, fighting warfare, impacting intelligence, and protecting and strengthening believers.
Prophets are servants of God. They hear from God and also see into God’s program and agenda. An example is Isaiah.
