I have a unique hero. His name is Hezekiah and you can find his story in Isaiah 38 and 39. Most will read his story and then say, why is Hezekiah a hero to JT? Here's why! God's greatest desire for us is that we would be fully dependent upon Him...period! Hezekiah lived his life trusting in the Lord (powerful king, observed Passover, drove out idolatrous worship, led nation in spiritual reform, and a great military leader) and now he is sick and about to die. In his broken state, he cries out for more years. Do you ever have those moments when you ask something of the Lord, but not really sure that you should even be asking for that? I think this is one of the moments, maybe your time on earth is done Hezekiah. You did great. You led well. You worshiped the Lord faithfully. Be done. But Hezekiah, for whatever reason, wants to stay and the Lord answers his prayers with giving Hezekiah 15 more years. Wow. Pretty cool, right? Well, let's look at Isaiah 39, it is so tragic. I'll break it down and then share with you why Hezekiah is my hero.
1. He received gifts gladly from Babylon (it is like this..oh wow, the king of Babylon has honored me with gifts...you should never form a friendship with the enemy) Hezekiah should not have received the gifts, but shouldn't have let Babylon in the door.
2. He showed the enemy the storehouse (everything that is everything is in there and it just wets the appetite of the king of Babylon to want all of it) At this point, Hezekiah has lost complete sight of the Lord and is prideful about the King of Babylon liking him. No, no, no.
3. Isaiah says to Hezekiah, why have you done this? Now Babylon knows where everything is and they are going to come and take it all away. And look at Hezekiah's response: at least I will experience peace and security in my lifetime. What just happen? Who is Hezekiah?
4. Hezekiah went from a humble person to a very prideful person who has connected with the evil snake. If your time on earth is done and things are well, you should just say good-bye and GO HOME to JESUS. There your battle is over with. Not so with Hezekiah and it literally falls apart. Becareful what you ask for!
Here is why Hezekiah is my unique hero. I went through a strange and tough season toward the end of 2016. I was lost. I was in a cave. What was next for me? What was God teaching me in this dry season? As I kept pressing in and on, i came across Hezekiah's story in late 2016. It didn't come to full understanding until early 2017 when God opened the door for me again in ministry and the words I wrote in my journal one specific day in March was these words: I feel God looked into my Spirit and said, I have given you another 15 years JT, do not waste them like Hezekiah did. Make the most of every opportunity and trust wholeheartedly in me and allow ME to lead you this time instead of you going and asking me to bless your efforts. Let me LEAD and I will bless you as you go in my Name. Hezekiah has taught me the importance of staying humbled in the Hands of My Savior and allowing Him to have my life. Thanks Hezekiah!
Friends, stay humble! Trust God! Enjoy God! Love God! Let God have all of you! He is good and wants the best for you...believe that! He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
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