The Assyrians intended to destroy the Israelites. The people believed their taunts and brought their fears to King Hezekiah. Isaiah the prophet said the Lord had other plans.
The king of Assyria sent a letter of threats to Hezekiah. Hezekiah had a choice. Instead of an immediate response, “Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.” (2 Kings 19:14) The Lord promised deliverance.
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After Daniel and his three friends found favor and entered into the service of the king, there came a time when the king demanded an interpretation of a dream from his wise men. When none was forthcoming, he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon.
When the king’s officer came knocking at Daniel’s door to carry out the king’s order, Daniel asked for an audience with the king. After hearing of the king’s motivation for his order, Daniel asked for time to interpret the dream.
Then he…”returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven…” Daniel 2: 16-19
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Both Hezekiah and Daniel could have rushed in with their own understanding of the matter at hand. They could have listened to the beliefs of those around them.
But they chose to listen to the voice of God, instead.
That night after Hezekiah heard from God… “the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning–there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.” 2 Kings 19:35-36
After Daniel delivered the interpretation given to him by God… “King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.” Daniel 2:46-49
More times than I like to admit, I rush in with my own understanding, or take someone else’s advice instead of taking time to hear from the Lord for myself. But when I see the blessing that comes from seeking out God before I act, that is what I aspire to in my life.
I want His blessing, His deliverance, His wisdom and direction. On my own I fall short and mess up. I find out too late that God had better plans than I could ever have imagined or forced on my own.
I’m thankful God always has time for me, even when I have to back up and try again.
I’m thankful God always has time for me, even when I have to back up and try again.
Do you ever find yourself anxious for an answer or resolution to a problem
then skip past taking it to God? What have been the results?
photo credit: Free Digital Photos // Stuart Miles
Such a great reminder! I give out the advice of a 3-day-wait quite frequently, but don't always follow it myself. "Be still, and know…" "Wait, yes, wait for the Lord"
3 days – That can be hard. But so wise!