Finding Hope and Strength in Crisis Through Prayer

 

Summary

In Isaiah 38, we encounter the story of King Hezekiah, a godly man who faced an unexpected crisis when he became gravely ill. His immediate response was to turn to God in prayer, and God graciously healed him. This narrative teaches us that while God is sovereign, His sovereignty includes the prayers of His people. God often uses means to accomplish His purposes, and in our current crisis, we are reminded to pray and also to use practical measures to combat the challenges we face.

As we delve deeper into Hezekiah's experience, we find that his journey through the crisis was marked by anguish. Initially, he experienced shock, and at the end, hope and gratitude. However, in the midst of the crisis, he felt fragile, anxious, and weary. These feelings resonate with many of us today as we navigate our own unexpected challenges. Hezekiah's story reminds us that feeling fragile, anxious, or weary is not a failure of faith but a reality of our humanity.

Hezekiah also feared separation from loved ones, being cut off from life, and most significantly, that God might be against him. These fears are deeply human and relatable. Yet, the story encourages us to let our anguish lead us to Jesus. Jesus, who was cut off in the prime of His life, understands our fears and offers us hope. His resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and nothing can separate us from God's love.

In our moments of fear and anxiety, we are invited to draw closer to Jesus, who knows what it is to be separated from loved ones and to face the ultimate anguish. He was forsaken so that we might be welcomed, condemned so that we might be forgiven. In Christ, God is for us, and if God is for us, who can be against us? Let us cling to Jesus, finding in Him the strength and peace we need to face our own crises.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Sovereignty and Our Prayers: God is sovereign over all things, yet He invites us to participate in His plans through prayer. Our prayers are not in vain; they are part of God's sovereign will. In times of crisis, we are called to pray and trust that God hears us and acts according to His perfect will. [00:56]

- The Reality of Human Fragility: Hezekiah's experience reminds us of our own fragility. Despite our plans and power, unexpected crises reveal how fragile our lives truly are. This awareness should lead us to depend more on God, who is our strength and refuge. [06:37]

- Facing Anxiety with Faith: Anxiety is a common response to crisis, even for those who walk closely with God. Hezekiah's story shows us that feeling anxious is not a sign of weak faith but a part of the human experience. We are encouraged to bring our anxieties to God, who cares for us. [08:51]

- The Fear of Being Cut Off: Hezekiah feared that his life would be cut short, a fear many share. This fear should prompt us to live intentionally, making the most of the time we have and preparing for eternity. Our lives are woven by God, and we must trust His timing and purposes. [20:50]

- Letting Anguish Lead Us to Jesus: In our deepest fears and anguish, we are invited to turn to Jesus. He understands our struggles and offers us hope and peace. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be reconciled to God, and in Him, we find the assurance that God is for us. [36:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Hezekiah's Crisis
- [00:37] - The Power of Prayer
- [01:19] - God Uses Means
- [02:09] - Responding to Crisis
- [03:04] - The Middle of the Crisis
- [04:03] - Experiencing Anguish
- [05:22] - Hezekiah's Reflection
- [06:10] - Feeling Fragile
- [07:46] - Overcoming Anxiety
- [09:36] - The Weariness of Waiting
- [12:49] - Fearing Separation
- [18:17] - The Fear of Being Cut Off
- [23:37] - Fearing God is Against Us
- [29:19] - Letting Anguish Lead to Jesus
- [36:44] - Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 38:1-22
- Isaiah 53:8
- John 12:27

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Observation Questions:

1. What was King Hezekiah's initial response to his unexpected illness, and how did God respond to his prayer? ([00:16])

2. How does the sermon describe the means God used to heal Hezekiah, and what does this suggest about God's typical way of working in the world? ([01:19])

3. What emotions did Hezekiah experience during his crisis, and how are these emotions relevant to our current situations? ([04:03])

4. According to the sermon, what were the three main fears Hezekiah faced during his illness? ([12:49])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Hezekiah illustrate the relationship between God's sovereignty and human prayer? What does this imply about the role of prayer in our lives? ([00:56])

2. In what ways does Hezekiah's experience of fragility and anxiety reflect the human condition, and how should this awareness affect our dependence on God? ([06:37])

3. How does the sermon suggest that our fears and anxieties can lead us closer to Jesus, and what does this reveal about the nature of faith during crises? ([29:19])

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of Jesus' experience of separation and anguish, and how does this provide hope for believers facing similar fears? ([36:44])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent crisis in your life. How did you respond, and in what ways can you incorporate prayer more intentionally in future challenges? ([00:56])

2. Hezekiah felt fragile and anxious during his illness. Can you identify a time when you felt similarly? How did you cope, and what might you do differently now with the insights from this sermon? ([08:51])

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living intentionally and preparing for eternity. What practical steps can you take this week to make the most of your time and align your life with God's purposes? ([20:50])

4. Consider the fear of being cut off from loved ones. How can you strengthen your relationships and cherish the time you have with those you love? ([18:17])

5. In moments of fear and anxiety, how can you let your anguish lead you to Jesus? Identify a specific fear you have and discuss how you can bring it to Jesus in prayer. ([29:19])

6. The sermon suggests that Jesus' experience of being forsaken assures us of God's love. How can this truth impact your view of God's presence in your life, especially during difficult times? ([36:44])

7. How can you support others in your community who may be experiencing similar fears and anxieties? What role can you play in pointing them to the hope found in Jesus? ([33:25])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty Embraces Our Prayers
In the story of King Hezekiah, we see a profound example of how God's sovereignty includes the prayers of His people. Hezekiah, facing a life-threatening illness, turned to God in prayer, and God responded by granting him healing. This narrative illustrates that while God is in control of all things, He invites us to participate in His divine plans through prayer. Our prayers are not mere words; they are a vital part of God's sovereign will. In times of crisis, we are encouraged to pray with the assurance that God hears us and acts according to His perfect will. This understanding should inspire us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our prayers are meaningful and impactful. [00:56]

Isaiah 65:24 (ESV): "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear."

Reflection: Think of a current crisis or challenge you are facing. How can you intentionally incorporate prayer into your response, trusting that God hears and values your prayers?


Day 2: Embracing Our Human Fragility
Hezekiah's experience serves as a reminder of our own human fragility. Despite our plans and perceived power, unexpected crises reveal how vulnerable we truly are. This awareness should not lead us to despair but rather to a deeper dependence on God, who is our strength and refuge. Recognizing our fragility can be a humbling experience, but it also opens the door to experiencing God's strength in our weakness. As we navigate life's uncertainties, let us lean on God, who is our ever-present help in times of trouble. [06:37]

Psalm 39:4-5 (ESV): "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most fragile or vulnerable right now? How can you invite God to be your strength in these areas today?


Day 3: Facing Anxiety with Faith
Anxiety is a natural response to crisis, even for those who walk closely with God. Hezekiah's story shows us that feeling anxious is not a sign of weak faith but a part of the human experience. We are encouraged to bring our anxieties to God, who cares for us deeply. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we can find solace in God's presence and promises. By casting our cares on Him, we allow His peace to guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to face our challenges with renewed faith and courage. [08:51]

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Reflection: Identify a specific anxiety you are currently experiencing. How can you practice casting this anxiety onto God today, trusting in His care for you?


Day 4: The Fear of Being Cut Off
Hezekiah feared that his life would be cut short, a fear that resonates with many of us. This fear should prompt us to live intentionally, making the most of the time we have and preparing for eternity. Our lives are intricately woven by God, and we must trust His timing and purposes. By living with an eternal perspective, we can find peace in the knowledge that our lives are in God's hands, and nothing can separate us from His love. [20:50]

Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Reflection: How can you live more intentionally today, making the most of the time God has given you? What steps can you take to prepare for eternity?


Day 5: Letting Anguish Lead Us to Jesus
In our deepest fears and anguish, we are invited to turn to Jesus, who understands our struggles and offers us hope and peace. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be reconciled to God, and in Him, we find the assurance that God is for us. By drawing closer to Jesus in our moments of anguish, we can experience His comfort and strength. His resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and nothing can separate us from God's love. Let us cling to Jesus, finding in Him the strength and peace we need to face our own crises. [36:44]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what ways can you draw closer to Jesus in your current struggles? How can you allow His presence to bring you comfort and peace today?

Quotes

"God is sovereign in all things but his sovereignty includes the prayers of his people then last week we looked at how God answered Hezekiah prayer isaiah the prophet said verse 21 take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil and we saw from that that god normally uses means though there are some things that only God Himself can do." [00:56:51]

"Now this crisis is surely reminding each and every one of us that our lives are very fragile in fact our whole world is fragile everything that this world lives for has been put on hold by a tiny virus that's how fragile this world in which we live is now I want to ask this question are you feeling fragile today well the feeling of our own fragility it's part of the anguish that comes with an unexpected crisis." [00:41:88]

"Anxiety is always worst during the night and it gripped him and it persisted through the entire night until morning I calmed myself until morning I found that my mind was racing I I found that I couldn't achieve a sense of peace anxiety was gripping me here's a godly man and he's in his bed but he can't sleep and the hours are creeping past and his mind simply will not rest." [00:47:18]

"Now here he's using this picture he's talked about his own body as being like a tent the fragile structure now he speaks about his whole life as being like fabric being woven on a Weaver's loom the threads of your life think about this are woven together by Almighty God some of these threads are of a bright color some of them are of darker colors but together God weaves all the experiences of all the days of your life together into this fabric this cloth that is your life." [01:54:42]

"Let your anguish lead you to Jesus when you fear being separated from loved ones let your anguish lead you to Jesus think about this your Lord Jesus knows what it is to be separated from loved ones at the Last Supper he said to his disciples I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the day I drink it anew with you in my father's Kingdom." [01:47:71]

"Death could not keep hold of our Lord Jesus Christ on the third day he rose from the grave and now he lives in the power of an endless life and for those who trust in him death whenever it comes will be a translation into a new life in his immediate presence that is going to be better for you brother and sister by far death when it comes will cut you off from your loved ones and that is so hard but you can know this with assurance that nothing in life or in death will ever be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [02:29:59]

"To fear that God may be against you of course is the worst fear of all I mean if God were to be against me what chance could I possibly have none whatsoever and I want to say to anyone today who is still resisting the claim of Jesus Christ upon your life what are you doing what are you thinking about you resisting Almighty God what chance do you possibly have with that now listen to the good news of the gospel because God is ready for you to be reconciled to him today." [02:21:10]

"When Jesus suffered and died for us on the cross the hand of God was against him when he bore our sins he was cut off even from the comfort of knowing his father's love that's why he cried out in a loud voice my God my God why have you forsaken me he was forsaken so that you my friend could be welcomed he was condemned so that you could be forgiven he was cast out so that you could be brought in and he died so that you might live if you fear that God may be against you let your anguish lead you to Jesus in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself God is for us in Jesus Christ and if God be for us who can be against us." [02:26:62]

"Christians experience anguish Christian's experience anguish Hezekiah the most godly King knows what it is to feel fragile to feel anxious and to feel weary a man who walked with God knew what it was to fear being separated from loved ones to contemplate the awful thought that his life early was being cut off and to fear that God himself might even be against him this was the experience of a man who walked with God in the Old Testament and you find the same in the New Testament too." [01:56:44]

"Now friends I am so thankful for the sheer honesty of these verses aren't you thankful that the Bible speaks to reality in terms of giving us religious platitudes no there's real honesty here Hezekiah doesn't come out of the crisis saying oh well I got to the point of death and I prayed and God wonderfully healed me and isn't it all marvelous no he tells us the inside story he tells us what it was really like to plow through the anguish of this unexpected crisis he tells us I felt fragile I was anxious and I was weary and I feared being separated from the people that I loved I feared that my life was going to be cut off and nothing more would be added and I feared most of all as I looked at my own life I feared that it might be God Himself who was against me." [01:52:62]

"Let your anguish lead you to Jesus let your anguish lead you to Jesus when you fear being separated from loved ones let your anguish lead you to Jesus think about this your Lord Jesus knows what it is to be separated from loved ones at the Last Supper he said to his disciples I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the day I drink it anew with you in my father's Kingdom and then the scripture says they sang a hymn and they went out it was the beginning of Jesus being taken from his friends Jesus knows what it is to be separated from loved ones." [01:77:07]

"Your job is not to have people looking to you your job is to help people look to Jesus Christ you know there is only one person who can ever truly say to you I will never leave you I will never forsake you and it's not your husband or your wife your father or your mother it's not your son or your daughter or your colleague or your very best friend the only person who can truly say to you I will never leave you I will never forsake you is the Lord Himself and if the Lord is your Shepherd you will not want even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death you need fear no evil for he will be with you his rod and staff they will comfort you His goodness and mercy will follow you and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." [02:09:89]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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