R³ Devotional - Day 214

2 Kings 20 recounts the story of King Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, and subsequent actions, offering several spiritual and practical principles relevant to faith, leadership, and decision-making. Hezekiah’s story parallels other biblical accounts of faith and failure, such as David’s or Solomon’s, or consider the historical backdrop of Judah’s tensions with Assyria and Babylon.

REAL, RELEVANT, READY
1. Pray in Crisis: When facing personal challenges or attacks (e.g., health issues, job loss), turn to prayer first, seeking God’s guidance and strength.

2. God Hears Prayer: Trust that sincere prayers for help or healing are heard, encouraging persistent prayer even in uncertainty…even through the pain.

3. God’s Sovereignty: Accept God’s control over life’s outcomes, finding peace in His plan during difficult seasons. He allows, He knows, He vindicates, and He is about ultimate truth in a way that brings Him glory. All in His timeframe.

4. Faith Plus Action: Pair faith with practical steps, like seeking medical help while praying for recovery or preparing diligently while trusting God for success. Action over words, action over emotions.
 
5. God’s Miraculous Power: Stay open to God’s unexpected solutions, such as divine interventions in relationships or finances, and seek His confirmation if it His will. If not, accept what He decides.

6. Stay Grateful: After receiving blessings (e.g., a promotion, restored health), express gratitude through worship or service, avoiding entitlement. We do not deserve any good..it is God’s grace and mercy..not our goodness.

7. Pride Brings Consequences: Avoid boasting about achievements (e.g., wealth, status) to prevent unintended consequences like strained relationships or lost opportunities let go of pride and ego.
 
8. Acknowledging the importance of both mercy and consequences, it is understood that while divine forgiveness is readily available, the repercussions of poor choices, such as dishonesty, may still affect one's life and the lives of others, thereby encouraging more prudent decision-making. Forgiveness should always be offered unconditionally, mirroring the grace bestowed upon us. However, the restoration of trust necessitates time and consistent actions to demonstrate genuine change, contingent upon the nature of the transgression.

9. Avoid Self-Centeredness: Prioritize others’ well-being over personal comfort, like considering how your actions affect family or community long-term. Get out of our emotions and into God’s truth. From the movie Fireproof “don’t follow your heart but lead your heart” with God’s truth.

10. Leave a Faithful Legacy: Live with integrity and purpose (e.g., mentoring others, serving faithfully) to create a lasting, positive impact.