Hezekiah’s Prayer

Open Your Bible

Isaiah 37:1-38, Isaiah 38:1-22, Isaiah 39:1-8, Psalm 30:1-3, Micah 7:18-20

Text: Isaiah 37:1-38, Isaiah 38:1-22, Isaiah 39:1-8, Psalm 30:1-3, Micah 7:18-20

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the belief that I am not “enough.” It’s a horrible feeling that usually starts off with a slow, torturous game of comparison. Theodore Roosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy,” and boy, was he right. When I start comparing my belongings or influence or talents with others’, I always walk away feeling unsatisfied. I stop seeing all the ways the Lord has blessed me—all the things I have to be grateful for—and instead focus solely on what I believe is missing in my life.

As I’ve opened up to others about my struggle, I’ve discovered that I’m far from alone. It seems many women have internalized a critical voice eager to tell them how they don’t measure up as a wife, friend, mother, or employee.

At first I thought the antidote to this horrible feeling was to believe in my own “enoughness”—to  raise my self-esteem, so to speak. Certainly the enemy relishes in our feelings of inadequacy that hold us back from the freedom promised in Christ (Romans 8:2). But as hard as I try to speak truth to myself, to remember that I’m valuable as a daughter of God, it becomes far easier to measure myself by the world’s definition of its values, like status, wealth, beauty, and social media followers.

I’ve come to realize that the true antidote to my feelings of inadequacy is the voice of the Lord. His Word lovingly reassures me that, though my sinful condition causes me to fall short of “enough,” I don’t have to be—because He is.

“You are God—You alone—of all the kingdoms of the earth.”
– Isaiah 37:16

He is enough. Not me, not you, not admirable King Hezekiah, not that friend with the seemingly perfect Instagram life. Yahweh, the Lord of all, He is the only One who can deliver us. Freedom is found not in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.

I still play the comparison game from time to time. I see people and believe they have it all together, which promptly triggers a storm of discontent within me. I find myself longing to be just a little more like them, hoping that will finally bring me satisfaction. But behind that temptation is an even deadlier lie: Maybe I don’t really need God after all. Maybe I can get to the point where I’m good enough on my own. Maybe learning to be self-sufficient isn’t such a bad thing. 

The story of King Hezekiah reminds me that even the most powerful people can’t save themselves. No matter our circumstances, what we all need is the mercy of Jesus. Christ lived the only perfect, wholly worthy life and submitted to a painful death on a cross so that we could participate in His resurrection. True freedom for us can only be found in surrendering to God’s mercy and strength.

Hear the voice of the Lord today as He gently calls His children to turn to Him, to rest in Him. He alone is God. He alone is enough.

SRT-LENT2017-Instagram29s

Kaitie Stoddard is a professional counselor who recently relocated from Chicago to Colorado with her husband. She has her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is passionate about helping couples and families find healing in their relationships. On any given weekend you’re likely to find Katie snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, checking out new restaurants with friends, or catching up on her favorite Netflix and podcast series.

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81 thoughts on "Hezekiah’s Prayer"

  1. Nicole Tolosa says:

    I am obviously very late in the game in joining this study, but it has been a blessing and a rebuke. This post hits home in a very real way. Thank you, Kaitie, for your transparency and for reminding us of truth! Learning and relearning these lessons every day! I am a type A, perfectionist by nature, but I am also a pastor’s wife and a mother of 5. Both of those “titles” remind me daily of my inadequacy. Thank you Jesus that, “Freedom is not found in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.”

  2. Anonymous says:

    Always and recently I have struggled with feelings that I’m not enough, I have a dark past that I’m trying to redeem but seems like some of the things that I’ve done in my past have stayed to hunt me (truly believe that the devil wants a hold on me). I have a hard time understanding and remembering that God is all powerful and that he can deliver me from all the sins that have me chained. Like King Hezekiah’s I pray the lord will heal me and have mercy on me. I know he has the power to do it all and I hope and pray that he has mercy on me. “There will be be peace and security in my lifetime” Please keep me in my your prayers. God’s timing is wonderful!

  3. Megan Owens says:

    I’ve been stressed about how far behind I am on this study. Which is a product of my own inconsistencies. But God’s timing is always perfect. And I was able to open up and read his promises at the exact moment that I need to be reminded of them. Praise Him!

  4. Jen Downs says:

    In my head and with my mouth I claim 2 Cor. 12:9 as my life verse, yet I build walls in my heart even with close friends because I compare myself. And I repeatedly found myself unworthy. Just yesterday I told my amazing husband that all day I worry I’m not doing enough to be a good wife to him. But God is enough, He is wise, He has me in this season of my life where this is so much unrest and unknown for a perfect purpose. I can say it with my mouth that He is building in me a total reliance on him. For everything. But I can’t seem to live in the freedom or the joy that knowing that should bring. What is wrong with me? Yuck. Head to heart knowledge that brings lasting change is what I long for.

  5. Keena DaSilva says:

    I’m in a season of comparison and it has been the breaking of me. Thank you for reminding me Whose I am. I love SRT devos! #grateful

    1. She Reads Truth says:

      We’re grateful for YOU, Keena!

      – Stormye

  6. Clara Beyer (Cb) says:

    Kaitie, this is beautifully written. You have a gift for putting into words a message that strikes many a chord.
    I enjoy reading your comments and look forward to more.
    May God bless you and yours ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS!

  7. Jody Heavenrich Hensley says:

    “Freedom is not found by perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.” Oh, how I can relate. Great post.

  8. Sarah Ann says:

    These words were for my heart today. I have been battling the lie of not being enough for so long. The enemy has twisted it into making me feel like I am constantly a disappointment because I’m not enough to meet the expectations of others- and in many other ways. It’s hard being a single woman in full time ministry!! What a gift to hear these true words that the Lord has been saying to me over and over: ” you are not enough and that is a gift, because I am, and you can trust me.” Yesterday the Lord placed 2 Corinthians 12 on my heart… “for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Oh that I would accept that truth and stand in confidence. ❤

  9. Katie says:

    Wow, so very simple yet so very true…”No matter our circumstances, what we all need is the mercy of Jesus.”

  10. Kersti says:

    Wow what a timely devotion. I am I the thick of working out my fears & enough-ness with God. I am slowly realizing it. It is a hard battle.

    Please pray for me. I need to really get this.

    1. She Reads Truth says:

      Praying, Kersti! Thank you for letting us know how to pray for you.

      – Stormye

      1. Kersti says:

        Thanks for praying ❤️

  11. Michlyn says:

    Hezekiah’s prayers are what stood out to me in this post. I hope that one day my prayers can be as vulnerable, soulful and powerful.

  12. Anna says:

    earlier last year, I was meeting with a friend for listening prayer, and one of the questions we asked Him was, “Am I enough?” the answer that came was, “no, because the word ‘enough’ was never meant to describe a human being. you say “I’ve had enough to eat” or “I’ve had enough sleep” and that is the word in its proper context. the word ‘enough’ in relation to humans is a myth. you weren’t made to be enough. you were made to be loved.”
    you aren’t enough. you are LOVED. praise Jesus!!

    1. Latia says:

      Wow. Just wow! This just changed the game for me. “You weren’t made to be enough. You were made to be loved”. I can’t even tell you how thankful I am for this comment right now. Thank you for sharing this!

    2. JennyBC says:

      That is wisdom. Praise!!!

  13. Caitlyn says:

    Oh, dear… how I can relate to this post! It feels like my whole life is constantly a battle of determining whether I am worthy or good enough in comparison with others around me. You’re right — it is such a terrible thing to feel, however, since I’ve recently joined this community and have turned to Scripture, I feel this bad (but very natural) habit slipping away, which is the best feeling ever! It is the most beautiful thing to know that we don’t have to be good enough or compare ourselves in order to receive God’s love and acceptance. Now that, is something to give thanks for every single day.

    1. Jacquie says:

      Amen, sister! This whole study on Isaiah has shown me not only how powerful God is, but how merciful He is… how loving, forgiving, and compassionate He is. I have often felt unworthy of Him because of how often I stray. I constantly look to other things for fulfillment – whether it’s shopping or social media, etc. – when all I need is His love. I am always worthy of that, and I’m so glad that through this study I’ve come to realize it.

  14. johanna tropiano says:

    In the reading today, I was awestruck by Hezekiah’s sickness and healing. God told him he was going to die. But Hezekiah cried out to God (38:3) and reminded Him of how he walked with God in faithfulness. He begged God not to let him die. And God listened and changed his mind! I am encouraged by the fact that there is no path that we might walk that is too far gone for God to bring us back to him if we ask.

    I am five months pregnant with our first after two painful miscarriages. In December, eight weeks into this pregnancy, I started bleeding badly in the night. I was devastated. My husband and I knew we hadn’t lost our baby yet, so we spent the night, like Hezekiah, crying out to God to somehow change his mind and let our baby live. The next morning, we went to the doctor and she told us we were losing her. She pulled out a clump she thought was the placenta. But when she did the ultrasound, there was our baby, heart beating hard, perfectly safe and healthy. How beautiful that God does listen to our heart cries and is faithful to us when we are faithful to him.

    1. Emilia says:

      He does indeed listen! I will be praying for you and you precious little bundle of joy!!

    2. Elizabeth says:

      Amen!!! Amen!! What a precious story you will be able to share with your baby one day. ❤

    3. Emily says:

      What an awesome and beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!

    4. amyloukuo says:

      What an amazing and beautiful testimony! I don’t even know you but I’m filled with joy at the health of your baby and God’s faithfulness to you and your family. I also loved the healing story in today’s reading. My mom was declining quickly last month in her fight against stage 4 breast cancer, and I wouldn’t have thought she would last to the summer. But while her decline has stopped for the time, she hasn’t given up hope in the Lord, and this morning’s reading has renewed my hope to pray boldly like Hezekiah for healing. I realize I’ve felt that prayer won’t change God’s mind and plans but according to this story, if it is His mercy to do so, He will!

  15. Cecelia Enns Schulz says:

    Sunday’s message at church was about inviting God into our everyday life and expecting his kisses. Intimate, personal touches from him. The night before I finally watched Moms Night Out and was given one of those kisses. This morning another. This “not enough thing”. I hear it often, believe it all too often. But who am I not enough FOR? I worry that I’m not enough for my littles, for my husband and other friends and family. I worry that I’m not enough for God. But it is truly myself I’m believing I’m not enough for. I CANT do it by myself. I CANT compare myself to what looks like perfection and not come out lacking. But, God chose me. Picked ME! Before I was even born. Long before I picked him. And IN him, I am more than enough. I can do ALL things! This is the truth I long to hold onto, God’s truth. I long to consistently submit to his evaluation of my life and BELIEVE it! He made me, a masterpiece! I am his beautiful, beloved daughter. I am enough IN him.

  16. Ashley says:

    I love this post, as I too often struggle with comparison. I have tried to memorize the end of 2 Cor 10:12 as a reminder.
    I’ve also very much felt the culture tell me “you are enough!” In many ways. And it just never sits right within my spirit. Lately I’ve been so thankful that I don’t have to be “good enough” for God. There’s such freedom in that.

  17. Diane Huntsman says:

    Hear the voice of the Lord today as He gently calls His children to turn to Him, to rest in Him. He alone is God. He alone is enough.
    Thank you for this!!!

  18. Melody Suarez says:

    Right now I’m planning a wedding, I’m a nursing student and I was recently the maid of honor for a wedding. There was a couple times last week where I just didn’t feel like I was enough. I was struggling and striving to be a perfect student, friend and fiancé. It’s so so hard sometimes to surrender that up to God and say, “I’m nothing without you”
    I’m going to need him so much going into this next season and I pray that I go to him first before trying to do it all on my own.

    1. Kelly says:

      Melody – I hear you! I feel like so often our culture does not recognize that the engagement season can also be challenging ! It’s a beautiful season yes, but it also means that so many brides are taking on a lot of transitions at the same time. Working/ studying full-time, preparing for marriage, potentially moving, AND Planning a wedding! I’m a wedding photographer and I often find my brides feel the same way – feeling the pressure of expectations and feeling like they just can’t cut it . but many don’t know they are not alone! I’m so grateful that we have a God who does not expect us to be perfect to walk into marriage – and our husbands won’t be either. With so many things on your plate I know it’s really hard to surrender them to the Lord – I struggle with it too – but even with everything else you’re still making the time to spend with the Lord and do this bible study! Just wanted to give some encouragement ! Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

    2. Emily says:

      I was in my engagement season this time last year, and I definitely understand the demands on your time. Striving, as you’ve probably already figured out, is so exhausting. Don’t strive so much that you forget to enjoy this season of anticipation with your fiancé and families. Rest in the Lord, and He will fill you up.

  19. Victoria Rae says:

    I just got engaged and I just want to be “the best fiancée” and “the best” wife every day… and constantly fall short because we are so not enough… we alone in God can even hope to get through a day!

    1. Kelly says:

      Congrats on your engagement!! God will equip you ! But i understand where you are coming from! I’m a wedding photographer so I pursue my couples and get to know them to better tell their story but have to check myself not to compare my own relationship with the ones I have the privilege of capturing! But we need to find our peace in the Lord just like you said !

  20. Gabriela says:

    I was reminded today in Is 37:16 “you are God – you alone – of all the kingdoms of the earth” including my kingdom where I rule as queen.
    God is sufficient for all my needs today and tomorrow. My focus must be on Him and off of me.

  21. Lauren says:

    I feel like I compare myself to others frequently; even when God is telling me not to. Comparison is like a worm that gets into my brain and I have to drive it out. I am working on it daily. I feel like this reading was meant for me today.

  22. Mel says:

    I’m not good enough- I’m good enough on my own. I go back and forth between those two thoughts all the time- especially when online. For that very reason I gave up Facebook for Lent and have replaced it with ‘she reads truth’. It’s amazing how many times I feel the impulse to check my status and see if anyone ‘liked’ me- as if that influenced my self worth. Then, reading all the negativity made me feel like maybe I wasn’t doing too bad and I actually had it together. Both not helpful to my mental or spiritual state.
    Replacing Facebook with reading the comments after the devotional has been so good for my soul. I love checking back through out the day to see what nuggets of truth God may have for me! Thank you all for sharing your hearts and being so honest!

  23. Gabriela says:

    Test

  24. Lea says:

    It is so easy to compare my marriage, my kids, my home, and my faith to those I see on Instagram. Thank you for this message today!

  25. Amanda Mae says:

    Thank you for this refreshing perspective on conquering the battle of comparison and lack-mentality with the truth of God’s adequacy.

    At first I thought, “oh no, this is going to be one of those ‘Just be thankful!’ devotionals”. In this desolate season that word is less than encouraging – it stings like “songs sung to a heavy heart” (Ps. 25:20) when I feel like a fake forcing myself to “count my blessings”. Then I beat myself up for not being good enough at being thankful, and the terrible cycle of shame continues…

    I loved engaging with today’s word and seeing Hezekiah’s honest prayer and his constant acknowledgement that Gid alone is Lord. God answered him and he had reason to be thankful. This word encourages me to be honest with God and gives me hope that He WILL answer, and that then I will also be able to rejoice and give thanks to Him.

    1. Emily says:

      Your honesty is appreciated, too! Those seasons are not enjoyable, but cling to God and His goodness, and a grateful heart will be sure to follow. :)

  26. Keri McCue says:

    “Freedom is found not in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.” This is such a powerful truth!! Needed this reminder this morning :)

    http://www.littlelightonahill.com

  27. Churchmouse says:

    Yes. The importance of those pesky, often overlooked pronouns. When Hezekiah first seeks Isaiah’s counsel, he suggests that Isaiah reach out to “Yahweh, your God.” In fact Hezekiah uses that phrase twice. Then Hezekiah receives a threatening letter that the king of Assyria is about to bear down on Israel and Hezekiah should not expect deliverance. Hezekiah is now up against the wall and running out of time. He goes to the temple , lays out the ominous letter and prays. This time it is ” Lord our God.” Isaiah then sends a message to Hezekiah, telling him that because Hezekiah prayed, the king of Assyria will not carry out his threat. Dear sisters, is the Lord your own? I know so many who seem to rely on the faith and prayers of others (the “your God”). Today’s Scriptures remind me that I am responsible to cultivate my relationship with the Lord (the “our God”). Is it not time for me to know the Word so that the verses come to mind as needed? Is it not the time for me to have an intimate prayer life so that I can honestly say I am praying without ceasing ? Is it not time for me to stop comparing my lack of spiritual depth to others and to start developing it within myself? Feeling convicted this morning but also confident that God equips for the task.

    1. Jennifer says:

      Oh this is wonderful, thank you Churchmouse.

    2. Heather says:

      Thank you for this insight. It brings clarity to hear the details explained like this. And I echo your call to own our spiritual lives through Scripture & prayer. I pray daily that God would give me a hunger & passion for him & he does not disappoint. The more I read and pray the more I cannot get enough of him.

    3. She Reads Truth says:

      Churchmouse – I love this: “Dear sisters, is the Lord your own?” Praying that we would all know the Lord as our own and approach him boldly as Hezekiah did. He hears!

      – Stormye

  28. ~Amy F.~ says:

    Today is the funeral of a lady who served on the mission field with her husband for 24 years, the wife of my dad’s best friend. As I listened to her sons praise their mother at the wake last night, I was inspired and convicted. Here was a woman who loved her husband and children in a way I can only hope to emulate when I have my own family. Most importantly, however, this was a woman who loved her Lord. Her son said she always did what she thought was right. Her husband said she took time to read her Bible every single morning; her devotional was bookmarked the day before she died, because no matter what was going on in her life, spending time with her Savior was a priority for her.

    As I’ve been convicted to follow her example and become the kind of woman known for fearing the Lord, the devotional this morning is timely: “Freedom is found not in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.” This sister did not become the woman she was by strategies: she became a godly woman because she loved her Lord and submitted to Him. As I take up the challenge I feel from the Lord to love Him more, to deny myself, to follow Him, may I remember that it is not I who must do the work in me: it is Christ. The action on which I need to focus is not increasing my self-discipline or implementing a prayer plan or any other strategy born out of my own self: it is surrendering to Christ. May I learn to submit my will to His more faithfully from this day forward, and God grant that I may touch even half of the souls this lady impacted before He calls me home.

    1. SarahMay says:

      Amen! What a testimony. Praise the Lord for her life and legacy. And the impact her life continues to have on those who hear about her.

    2. Churchmouse says:

      Amen and amen!

    3. Gema Muniz says:

      Amen, may we have people in our lives that motivate us to live a life of servitude to God. Thanks for sharing sister.

    4. Kendra says:

      Love this, amen!

  29. Maggie says:

    what a timely devotion for me today…comparison IS a thief of joy. God has blessed me/us with gifts for us to discover and enjoy…I need to focus on that instead of the “not enough”s in my head.

  30. Katalina says:

    Oh my god, it was like reading my feelings just a couple of years ago. I used to think I was worth less than nothing. I idolized so many other people and despised who I was, wishing I could just… disappear. It’s not like anyone was going to miss me. I was just existing in a world that didn’t care about me. I had become my worst enemy with a constant voice belittling me every chance it got. Years had passed with no hope of freedom. I was a prisoner in my own mind and I was turned into a puppet of my depression. I wanted to end it desperately. Then God gave me one more chance, showed me mercy and put on full display His love for me. When you experience God’s overwhelming love when you thought you were undeserving of anything beautiful and sacred, it was like a new light burned it’s way through the darkness that has haunted me for so long. My story is one I want to share to bring hope to others who believe they can’t make it because you can. I promise, God keeps His promises and He will see you to it till the very end when it’s time to begin your new journey. You will be triumphant just as I was. https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1648564041824138&id=100000116739105&set=t.100000116739105&source=42&ref=bookmarks

  31. Heather says:

    Oh so good. Such a beautiful reminder this morning. I don’t have to be “enough” – fall into the arms of Jesus and let HIM be enough!

  32. Jaida says:

    Hi lovely people! If anyone wants to memorize verses better or dive more into the Word, there’s a website I find that’s been helpful to me. It’s theversesproject.com. They have artwork for specific verses AND songs that only have the words of the specific verse. They also talk (or write) about the verses for more comprehension and understanding. Sadly, there aren’t a lot of verses from Isaiah on there yet. But I highly recommend this to everyone.
    May God bless and love you all <3

    1. Amber says:

      Thank you so much! I have been looking for something like this!

  33. Militza says:

    Thank you for that quote, Kathy.
    “Neither our goodness nor our brokenness are significant in comparison with how Christ sees us. HE DECIDES I’M BEAUTIFUL.” Enough said!
    Amen!

  34. Marytony says:

    Thank for sharing. What a great reminder! So simple, yet so true and powerful.

  35. Audrey says:

    Two things strike me this morning reading through Isaiah: 1. Hezekiah prays to God, and 2. God responds! Isaiah 37:21 says “Because you have prayed…” Isaiah 38:5 says “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears…” I hate to admit it but more often than not I do not go to God in prayer. I am quick to worry, to rant/vent to friends and family and to craft my master plan of action, but I often don’t go to God. Or, if I do, it’s to ask His blessing on what I’ve concocted in my mind! And I wonder why sometimes it feels God is so distant. I wonder why I can’t seem to hear Him….

    I love how simple it is. Hezekiah went to God. God saw him. He heard him. He responded to him. This is the same God today! We have a God who sees us, who hears us, and who loves to respond to us if only we make ourselves available to Him! How often does God want to bless us or show us something, but He is just waiting for us to come before Him? How much have I missed because of my pride and hard-heart? Lord, forgive me. Bend my heart towards You first and only.

    And I can’t even get started on the truth of the devotion….oh enoughness is a deep wound that can only be healed by a greater view of God!

    1. Mandy says:

      Yes! Yes! Yes!

  36. Sara says:

    How quickly Hezekiah turned to his stuff to show off to the Babylonians when they came to see his healing. He knew his healing had come from God yet he put his confidence in his stuff, his people, what he could brag on right in front of him. I do that too, seek His deliverance and then turn to people or stuff to then prove my worth to others, to measure up in their scales rather than live fully into the healing God has brought me.

    I just finished Jennie Allen’s Nothing to Prove and it digs into to the enougness we all try to pursue more. I highly recommend it if today’s reading brought that out for you too.

  37. Emily Brown says:

    I love this so much. I struggle with feeling inadequate a lot of the time, and I need to realise how enough I really am in the eyes of our amazing God. Thank you for this xx

  38. Becky says:

    A good sermon to listen to along these lines is “Blessed Self-Forgetfulness” by Tim Keller. Changed my life!

    1. Sandy says:

      Thank you for suggesting this sermon Becky! It is a powerful reminder!

  39. Kathleen says:

    Praying that I put my rest and not-enoughness on Hik today.

  40. Ann says:

    This was timely for me this morning, as I’m heading off to teach in a place where I’m repeatedly told I’m not good enough. I have to remember I’m only good enough through the grace of God and His Spirit that lives and works through me, and my worth does not come from man. It’s hard when you are repeatedly beaten down, and the support is not strong, but today I will lean in on Him and know that His purpose will prevail!

    1. Emily B. says:

      I’m sorry you have to teach in a situation like that. Teaching is challenging enough as it is! I’ll pray that you can remember to lean on God when things seem especially discouraging. Your attitude is inspiring, and I’m sure your students can see that, too. :)

  41. Kathy says:

    I heard this just last week. Had to share!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

  42. Kathy says:

    I feel like Katie has been walking around inside my brain. Just last night the thought passed through my mind that I am just not enough. (Of course, I was looking at Facebook when I thought this!) The thing that really hit me in the face this morning was the truth in this devotion that behind this temptation to compare myself with others is “an even deadlier lie. Maybe I don’t really need God after all. Maybe I can get to the point where I’m good enough on my own. Maybe learning to be self-sufficient isn’t such a bad thing.” What a wake-up call for me. By playing this game I am basically saying that all that God has done for me is nothing in comparison with being self-sufficient. But, the truth is that I belong to the King of the Universe. Why would I want to be like anyone else.
    Last weekend I was in Athens, GA with my sister and my daughters. We were shopping and one of the stores we went in had a big chalkboard on the wall with this quote, “Neither our goodness nor our brokenness are significant in comparison with how Christ sees us. HE DECIDES I’M BEAUTIFUL.” Enough said!
    Have a blessed day!

    1. Ellen says:

      Amen!!

    2. IAB says:

      Hi ! I loved your post – and then had to chuckle to myself because I live in Athens , Ga – and I never think how the woman beside me maybe a “She reads Truth” woman – anyways – I wanted to challenge you to take yourself off of Facebook completely – I have given it up multiples times for things such as lent or truly because I feel the Lord tell me to – and each time I go back thinking It won’t phase me – It does! I thought at first how could God even care about things Such as Facebook as to ask me no longer to look at it – but it was clearly what he desired and I obeyed – as He tells us to focus on “what is true, noble, and right.” My anxiety and feelings of inferiority have improved greatly – and I spend the time with Him more often than social media ! Have a Great Day !

      1. Kathy says:

        IAB, I know this is a day late, but thanks for the suggestion of getting off Facebook completely. I had already decided to do that, but it was nice to get a confirmation of that decision.

    3. Hilary says:

      May I just insert a “Go Dawgs!” here? :)

    4. Katalina says:

      Amen <3!

    5. She Reads Truth says:

      Thank you for sharing this, Kathy! Grateful for you!!

      – Stormye

  43. Heather says:

    I specifically noticed how, after Hezekiah was healed and God extended his life another 15 years, he so quickly fell back into selfishness… Is. 39:8, he isn’t thinking about the welfare of his kids, he’s just happy that his life seemingly won’t be affected. And that prophecy came right after he got his peacock feathers all ruffled and showed the foreign envoys “all his treasures.” Notice the pronouns… “my treasures…my palace.” I am so much like Hezekiah. When my life is in danger, I pray for mercy. God answers and shows me His incredible grace, and the next day, I’m back at it again, showing the world “my” abilities etc. It all comes from God–nothing comes from me! How quickly I fall into selfish thinking!

    1. Ellen says:

      Thank Heather, for your words this morning!!

    2. Elle says:

      Thank you for this! I thought this section of today’s reading was the most interesting and thought provoking, so I’m happy to see some comments on it.

      It feels clear that he is being selfish by not caring about the future of others. But I also can’t help but think of New Testament language telling us not worry about tomorrow. I feel like it’s an interesting nuance. That we should both have faith in God providing for the future, but also being mindful that we will reap what we sow.

  44. Maddie says:

    This was such a good reminder for me! I work in ministry and have been struggling lately with feeling like I’m inadequate for my job, but Jesus has gently been reminding me that it doesn’t have anything to do with me – Hw is enough. And I get to share that with others, even in the midst of my own brokenness.

  45. Kimberly Martinson says:

    Yay I’m first! Up nursing a newborn at.midnight, and I was glad the lesson had already been posted. I find it so tempting to prop up my ego when I don’t feel like “enough.” I need to see the truth of how God has uniquely made and destined me to avoid the comparison trap, but I think what the author has said here is more important – that ultimately I don’t have to be “enough” because the Lord is.