CONFRONTED WITH BAD NEWS… FIRST RUN TO GOD
When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord. (2 Kings 19:1 NLT).
What was the first thing King Hezekiah did when he heard bad news? He was willing to consult God.
1.- He went to the Temple.
When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord. (2 Kings 19:1 NLT).
Human beings react in different ways before threats and danger. Some automatically run to God and other run to other people.
Sometimes we fight, other times we run. Some hide with alcohol and drugs, or compulsive sex, or become addicted to work. This helps them not think about their problems. The solution is not to ignore the bad news but confront us with the supernatural power of God.
2.- He aligned his team with God.
He immediately sent his leaders to the government and priests that consult Prophet Isaiah.
And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the court secretary, and the leading priests, all dressed in burlap, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. (2 Kings 19:2 NLT)
This was a wise thing to do on his part, because the advice his leaders brought him was wise advice from God. They would already be aligned to Heaven. They would not need to fear.
We see that God intervened and gave them true victory because they ran to God and not alcohol when confronted with bad news.
That night the angel of the Lord went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrians[a] woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere. (2 Kings 19:35 NLT)
Think about it:
How do you usually react to threats?
Who do you consult when you receive bad news?
What will you do the next time you hear bad news?