August 2

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13, Romans 15:23-16:9, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 20:16-18 

Pray: Prayer is not passive. Hezekiah knew this. When Jerusalem was being threatened by another king and a massive army, they began rebuilding walls, assembling troops, and preparing for battle. Yet, when the time came, “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah…cried out in prayer to God in heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20). The opposing army was destroyed, the king retreated in disgrace, and was killed when he returned home. Is there opposition in your life? Does God want to do something in you, but you’re fearful? Pray and watch God destroy the enemy forces!

Read: The people of Israel must have suffered from spiritual and leadership whiplash. Hezekiah and Manasseh are as different as night and day, at least initially. One brought people back to the Lord, the other led people away from the Lord. A father and son by blood, but strangers when it came to faith (again, initially). Many parents have experienced the pain of a wayward/rebellious child. Manasseh certainly fit the mold as a wayward and rebellious child. It wasn’t long, though, before he “finally realized that the Lord alone is God.” It took some years of rough-living and horrible consequences, but God got through to him. Trust in the Lord and continue praying that those whom you know who are far from Him will one day “realize that the Lord alone is God!”

Edify: It is so easy to drift away. Hezekiah returned a nation to the Lord. He did what was right in God’s eyes. He honored God repeatedly. God delivered him from his enemies. God healed him from a deathly illness. Then, “he became proud” (2 Chronicles 32:25). Thankfully before the Lord’s anger fell on him and all Jerusalem, Hezekiah repented. It’s a reminder for you and me just how easy it is to get off track, and how easy it is to be full of pride (something which does NOT honor the Lord at all, and angers Him). Be on guard, at all times and in all places. It’s easy to drift. Keep focused and stay humble before the Lord.

Practice: We need other people in our lives. It matters not whether we are introverts or extroverts. All of Scripture constantly reminds us of the need for community. We also need people to love us enough to tell us the truth, even when we want to hear something else. Proverbs 20:18 reminds us, “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” Share your goals with another. What is your 5 or 10 year plan for life? How about your budget? A new set of eyes and ears can add so much value to what you’re doing and even help encourage you or hold you accountable. It’s easy to quit the gym in February after only deciding to join it in January…unless you have people alongside you. Bring others along…you won’t regret it…you’ll be better for it.