RISE UP AND PLEAD YOUR OWN CAUSE!

2 Kings 20:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD.

Dear Believer,

When a sign comes that doesn’t bode well, or a messenger of God speaks under inspiration about you, like in a prophecy, don’t let it end there, especially if the utterance is not positive.

The King of Judah, Ezekiah was once sick, and then the national prophet brought him bad news.

2 Kings 20:1
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Isaiah wasn’t a prophet of mean status. He delivered his message matter-of-factly and with a tone of finality, without the slightest hint of emotion. The sick king wasn’t given any choice in the matter. “You will die and not live!”

As the prophet marched out of the king’s bedchamber, the king realized that although God sent the prophet, he himself had access to God.

So, King Hezekiah faced God.

2 Kings 20:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD.

The tears poured. Hezekiah discussed with God and pleaded his own cause. No intermediary or intercessor was needed. The prophet had delivered his message of death in such a cold manner and was probably on his way to consult with the king-makers on who the next king would be, so telling the prophet to pray with or for him would be a waste of time.

God be praised! When the prophet settled down with God and pleaded his own cause, God heard.

We read that before the Prophet left the middle court of the palace, God spoke again to him.

2Kings 20:5 KJV
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

The second message was delivered just as the first was – with mechanical diligence. The prophet was a mere messenger; God was the one to face.

Here is the lesson: plead your cause with your God.

Some panic whenever there is a prophecy or some sign that evil is imminent. But the way the message comes does not matter. Any sign — be it sickness, a terrible dream, a prophetic vision — should not be the end of it. You have a God whose door is always open to you. Go in boldly unto Him and plead your cause.

Note that Hezekiah didn’t spend a long, long time praying. He didn’t raise a prayer team to beg God on the matter. He simply turned his face to the wall and made the matter a case between him and God only.

God forgave him, healed him and restored him.

And that was during the Old Testament! How much more eagerly would God respond to His children under this better covenant!

Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Make supplication for yourself. Do it for you children. Pray for your husband. That negative vision and the bad dream doesn’t have to come to pass. That disease shouldn’t be the end.

Take the Word of God to Him and hold on to His promise. Stand to rebuke the devil and claim life in place of death, strength in place of weakness, abundance in place of lack and peace in place of unrest.

It may take a short while or a long while, just let the Spirit of God lead you as you settle the matter with your heavenly father.

Mark 11:23 KJV
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Plead your own cause!

The Father is waiting.

Have a great day!

Your friend,
Deon.
—-
For Further study read 2 Kings chapter 20.