Isaiah 37:1-20

“After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the LORD’s Temple and spread it out before the LORD.” (Isaiah 37:14, NLT)

It was a perfect storm of problems. The Assyrian army was outside the city walls. The field commander was shouting threatening and blasphemous words in the hearing of all the people. Now it seemed that King Hezekiah and all Jerusalem had a respite because the Assyrians were forced to leave temporarily. But then King Sennacherib sent a nasty letter to Hezekiah.

“Don’t let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured by the king of Assyria. You know perfectly well what the kings of Assyria have done wherever they have gone. They have completely destroyed everyone who stood in their way! Why should you be any different?” (Isaiah 37:10–11, NLT)

It was true that the Assyrians had wiped out everyone whom they attacked. And now they had their sites set on Jerusalem. No doubt Hezekiah was terrified. But he did the right thing: he spread out the matter before the LORD in prayer. His prayer is worth studying because God miraculously answered it!

When we are facing a perfect storm of problems, what do we do? I find it helpful to remember that God is in control. He is not surprised by this situation, and He has already made a way for me to walk through it. In fact, He prepares a table to feed me before my enemies! I can be honest with God and spread out the matter before Him. I can tell him exactly how I feel and share all my worries, doubts and fears. But then I affirm that God is far greater than the threats or my concerns. And He is for me, not against me. If I am trusting in Him with all my heart, then He will direct my steps. He will lead me to salvation. He will work in the circumstances for my good and for His glory.

Are you facing problems beyond your control and capabilities? Then take them to God in prayer right now. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you!