In Times of Trouble

Jerusalem's arch enemy, the king of Assyria, was on the warpath and headed toward Israel's capital. King Hezekiah, one of the few shining lights in the otherwise long line of Juda's unrighteous rulers, sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah to learn what God would have him and his people do in the face of this threat. Weakened from previous wars, Hezekiah feared his people lacked the strength to stand against the Assyrian army.

As was customary for warfare in those days, the invading army hurdled insults and threats against the defenders before mounting the actual attack--a type of psychological warfare. Rab-shakeh, the Assyrian king's lackey, had delivered the scathing diatribe to Hezekiah and his people, not only belittling the Jews but insulting their God, saying that Jehovah was no better than the pagan gods of the other people Assyria had already conquered.

Hezekiah, in distress, and with genuine humility, knowing he needed God's help, sent this message to Isaiah to pray for the people and learn the will of the Lord:

It may be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rab-shakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.
-- 2 Kings 19:4

Isaiah prayed, and the Lord replied with a revelation for King Hezekiah. Isaiah prophesied that the king of Assyria would be distracted by other enemies and return to his own land without attacking Jerusalem. Furthermore, the king would be murdered in his homeland before he could ever again come against Hezekiah's people.

Hezekiah gave the response to Rab-shakeh, who returned to the camp of the Assyrians only to find them already joined in battle against Libnah. The Lord sent a plague into the camp of the Assyrians, which wiped out the army and sent their king packing to the safety of his palace, where he was later killed by his own sons. Isaiah's prayer on behalf of Hezekiah and his people was answered.

In times of trouble, prayer is our best remedy. When we humble ourselves and entreat the Lord for help, He is inclined to use His power in our behalf. He knows our troubles, and He knows what we need before we ask Him. But in the asking, we incline ourselves to Him and prepare ourselves to receive His help. Because we petition the Lord, we are more likely to recognize His hand when He moves to rescue us. Our gratitude is more ready and sincere, and our faith is increased. Prayer does not make God do things He does not want to do, but it opens us to His blessings and prepares us to recognize them when they come.