Fall Creek Christian Church

"'Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are just men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!' These words greatly encouraged the people." II Chronicles 32:7-8 On a regular basis, I speak with people who are on the edge of the edge. It may be at church. It may be at the gas station. It may be in my home. It may be the face looking back at me in the mirror. Life is hard. Storms are raging and thundering bringing us to our knees. We are left weathered and wondering. Will they ever pass? Will we ever rise in victory? The nation of Judah was in a bad situation. Outnumbered and outgunned, they were looking down the barrel of certain defeat and destruction. King Hezekiah, however, viewed the situation through a different set of eyes. His people were not the easy prey the enemy determined they were. They were ...

"About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: This is what the Lord says, 'Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.' When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 'Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.' Then he broke down and wept bitterly." II Kings 20:1-3 As the ambulance whisked our baby away, we scrambled to find family to take our other children so we could get to the hospital as quickly as possible. On our way, we prayed. We cried. We begged and we pleaded. She was so close to death and we knew it. God, in his providence, chose to answer 'yes' to our cries and her life on earth was extended. Hezekiah entered fully into the cry of the desperate heart. He was given the news of his imminent...

“...'You will not recover from this illness.' When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord...Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: 'Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, 'This is what the God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life...'"  Isaiah 38:1-6 Nearly thirty years ago, I was bound and determined to ask someone a very important question. Hours were spent formulating and preparing for the moment. In spite of my nerves and in spite of the numerous ways the "ask" could have been derailed, I went for it. From the moment the ring went on her finger to this present moment, I am beyond thankful that I asked my wife for her hand in marriage. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, found the wonder of asking as well. He was told to get his house in order. Game over. His earth journey was finished. Then, he asked. It was a bold ask for sure. God, in his ...