Hezekiah

I was recently reminded of this Bible story, found in 2 Kings 18-20, of King Hezekiah, loyal to the Lord, faithful servant and fearless leader of Israel. While he did everything to honor the Lord, he was faced with trials of his own. A foreign king threatens to kill him and to take all of Israel captive because Hezekiah would not bow down to him. The enemy was big and though Hezekiah mourned the news, the first thing he did was cry out to his God. The Lord listened to his prayer and sent his angels to slay the enemy at their own camp, thus driving away the enemy King.

But this isn't the only prayer the Lord answers. As Hezekiah is on his death bed, he asks God to remember him and to let him live--which the Lord does. But Hezekiah is told that there will be suffering and suffering there was. As Hezekiah's son takes over the throne, Israel returns to their ways of idol worshipping and away from God.

We can learn a lot from Hezekiah. For one, prayer is ALWAYS powerful. Hezekiah chose to seek God's help instead of taking matters into his own hands and because of this, God honored him. Hezekiah was faithful to his Lord and the Lord was faithful in return. Imagine, a WHOLE ARMY coming to attack you. This is a big deal. I would've been freaking out, maybe running around and wouldn't be much of a leader. But a good leader is one that bows his head and gives all he has to seek the Lord's guidance. In the midst of it all, Hezekiah prayed. And the Lord heard. So beautiful.

But even then, we must wholly trust our Lord, because ultimately he knows what plans he has for us, as Jeremiah tells us. Who knows what could've happened if Hezekiah let the Lord keep his timing. Sometimes we extend things because we are selfish, obviously because we are human and flesh. We extend jobs, ministries, relationships...even if they are failing, because we are selfish and want comfort. We want the familiar. The future is scary. And most of us are afraid to let go and let God because we are afraid.

If there's something that I learned last year, it's that God has his perfect timing and that we should always listen. There are many "what ifs" in my head right now. But I know that in the end, God even knew I was going to be stubborn and not give up until it hit me in the face and well, it has hit me in the face. And I will solely trust in Him--the God that has never failed me and the God that has ALWAYS loved me.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, because you take me despite all of my fears and failures. You are Mighty to Save, even a wretch as myself. I thank you for your divine plan in my life, and though I don't understand a lot of the motions I'm experiencing, I know that you will be victorious in the end. I give my life to you.

peace out 2009, hello 2010

As the year comes to an end, it is only natural to reflect on what has passed and to wait for the coming year with great expectation. 2009 has surely been a difficult year for many reasons, but the Lord has been faithful in providing, despite my failures. If I could sum up 2009 in one word it would be GRACE. Unmistakable grace. Selfless grace. Saving grace.

This year has been filled with many ups and downs, from the heartache of a breakup, to the heartache of losing a family member. And while there have been many lows, without a doubt, God has provided joy and hope like no other. He has surpassed all expectations and blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. Because of His mighty hand, I can wait on 2010 with hope.

I oftentimes wonder how people can live without knowing God and having a relationship with a Savior. How do they hope? How to they cope? How do they deal with life’s battles? We find ourselves in a constant struggle and I wonder if I would ever get through the day if I didn’t have my hope on my Lord. If my eyes weren’t fixed on the heavens, where would I find my refuge?

Many Bible passages and verses come to mind when I think about what I would like my next year to look like. But when thinking about how I want my life, I am reminded of Isaiah 64:8, that says “Oh Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” I want to be that clay, and I want my Lord to be the potter. I’m a work in progress-- work that truly began last year and it can only get better. With each year that passes, I learn more about my Savior’s love and fall more and more in love with Him.

If there’s one thing that I learned this year, it’s that I cannot place my trust in man. I have been nothing but disappointed. But my Lord is there to pick up the pieces for me. I’ve learned to love my family more than ever. I’ve learned who are my TRUE friends. I am so blessed.

2010 will be a great year. Graduation. Travel. New job. New place. New motivation.

May the Lord continue to bless every single one of my friends and family. 2010 will be a fresh start in Him.