Listen to Hezekiah, March 3
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my [the king of Assyria’s] hand. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us’” (2 Kings 18:29-30a NIV).
Who do we listen to? Every news outlet has its slant on the world’s events. Who do we believe? Who do we trust? The humorous adage says, “an expert is someone who lives over fifty miles away.” We really do not know the people behind these sources. We do not know their foibles. They come to us unscathed. But we know everyone has faults and shortcomings. Again, who do we trust?
Hezekiah was one of the few good kings of Israel. He turned the people’s hearts back to God and tore down images of idols throughout the country. But the king of Assyria’s representative attempted to mislead the Israelites, saying, “Do not listen to Hezekiah.” His admonition was sowing seeds of doubt into the hearts of God’s faithful. Fortunately, God’s people remained faithful, and God did deliver them.
You undoubtedly have heard many voices during your cancer journey. Physicians may have offered differing opinions. Friends and family each have their perspective on what is the best. The Internet has a plethora of articles that sometimes only serve to confuse you.
Questions of faith may come to mind. You may ask, “Where did this cancer come from?” or, “How could God allow this to happen to me?” You may struggle with where to turn for guidance and assurance. You are fortunate if you have a strong pastor and church community. Our society and culture are filled with naysayers that tell you not to listen to the promises of God.
How do you remain faithful when you are walking through the valley of cancer? Call upon faithful friends, pastors, and prayer partners. Read God’s Word and let it saturate your soul. Steer clear of voices that call you away from the promises that God is faithful and will deliver you. Listen to the Hezekiahs in your life that remind you of God’s unfailing love for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Pray: Lord, instill within my heart the blessed assurances of Your Word. Help me listen to Your voice amidst the clamoring of the world. Thank You for delivering me through all the trials of my life. Enable me to place my faith in Your gracious and loving hands. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to quiet your heart in prayer and bring to mind His promises to never leave nor forsake you as He delivers you through this present season.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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