There was a man whose story was in the bible. His name goes by Hezekiah, and He was the King of Judah.

He fell ill, and God sent prophet Isaiah to tell King Hezekiah to organize his affairs because he will die of the sickness that is afflicting him. God’s word “You will not live.^[1]

King Hezekiah received these words and did the following:

• He faced the wall and prayed – We do not know the history of Prophet Isaiah. However, you will agree with me that we are not perfect. You will remember that David was a sinful man, but that didn’t stop the love of God for him and at the same time that didn’t stop God from punishing/scolding him when he misbehaved. Likewise, Prophet Isaiah may not be perfect, but God used him and sent him to King Hezekiah. Whatever or whoever Prophet Isaiah was in human nature in those days did not affect the King. He received the message from His God that He has come to know well, with humility. The King did not call bluff of the prophecy, but He prayed without sparing time.

• He brought God to remembrance – He reminded God of all his good deeds and then reminded God of God’s own promises to him. The bible says “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”^[2] Now I see that King Hezekiah was very smart, yet humble. I imagined He prayed thus: – God I have been faithful to you as you have instructed and I have faith that your words for those who are faithful will not fail. You promise that I will be in good health and prosper. I believe God that there is much more you can use me to do. Did you not ask me oh God to bring to your remembrance^[3] your words? Please, Lord, have mercy and let me live.

• He wept bitterly – This was another display of humility by King Hezekiah. Maybe he prayed, God I know, you can do as you have said however I ask for compassion to spare my life. King Hezekiah was sober. I want to believe this was the moment God touched King Hezekiah.

I imagine what happened in the heavens after this story of courageous prayer because the bible recorded that God sent Prophet Isaiah back to King Hezekiah, now read this: “Go back and tell King Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, I have heard your prayers, and I have seen your tears, and God promised – “I will add 15 more years to your years”.

God made an additional promise

“And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the King of Assyria.”

Read this people because God crowned it

“I will defend this city for my sake and the sake of my servant David.

All because of a courageous prayer…..

I am sharing this story of prayer with you so that you can have your own story of courageous prayer. It does not matter what the situation is, how you handle it will determine the outcome.

• Run to God, and not to man;
• Remind Him of His promises and not say “it is my destiny, I will accept it.”?
• Above all, be intentional about having good deeds so that you can bring them to God’s remembrance.

Say your courageous prayer today and Our heavily Father will answer.

Amen.