In the scriptures we have two diametrically opposed reactions recorded for our learning and instruction—two very different men facing problems in two very different ways. AHAB—what kind of picture does his name conjure up in our minds? A wicked picture, perhaps the most wicked of all the wicked kings of Israel. (1 Kings 16:30). But he not only aggressively did wicked deeds — he acted like a petulant, spoiled child! The incident concerns the vineyard of Naboth, an innocent God-fearing Israelite who was later put to death in order to satisfy the whim of a powerful monarch and his wife. (1 Kings 21).
Ahab had money and he was willing to pay generously to provide another vineyard in exchange for the coveted one which was near his palace. The offer sounded reasonable but Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers,” (Compare 1 Kings 21:3 and Num. 36:7) Ahab’s reaction to this disappointment was that he took to his bed, turned his face to the wall and refused to eat! What a way for a king to act or any mature person for that matter. But do we sometimes show a similar response when we fail to get our way or the fulfillment of some cherished dream is denied us? Do we try to get others to help us get what we want? Or do we use another king for our example?
Hezekiah, on the other hand was a good king—one of Judah’s best. True, he made mistakes during his 29 years as king for he was human like the rest of us. But let’s look at the way he faced the biggest disappointment in his life. He was ill and Isaiah the prophet told him to put his house in order as he was going to die! (2 Kings 20) He had reigned well for 14 years and made many improvements in the kingdom but he had no son to succeed him. Now he was facing death. He, like Ahab, turned his face to the wall — but then what? Hezekiah prayed to God! And even before Isaiah had left the palace (vs. 4-6) the word of the Lord came to him, “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you . . . I will add 15 years to your life.” Psalm 102:17 says “He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer.” Or as the NIV translates, “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” And what more could we ask for?
Now our prayers may not (and probably will not) be answered in the dramatic way Hezekiah’s was but we have the assurance that God hears and will answer in the way that is best for us whether we realize it or not. So when disappointments and frustrations press upon us and we feel our “back to the wall,” let us turn our faces to God and PRAY as Hezekiah did. “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Prov. 3:6).
God’s way is best, the great All-wise
Knows all that in our pathway lies
And though delay his children tries
God’s Way is best.God’s way is best, whatever it be,
It may not seem the best to me
But Time will tell and I shall see
His way was best.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One