Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 12

Fasting Devotional – Day Twelve

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Title:  Hezekiah Surrenders the Threat

Text:  II Kings 19

Written by:  Kyle Ford

Thoughts:

Today’s Bible verse, 2 Kings 19, is the King of Judah’s, King Hezekiah, response to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.  Hezekiah was receiving messages from the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, threatening him to try to scare him into surrendering the city.  Hezekiah sent for God’s prophet, Isaiah, who sent back an encouraging message telling him that God would deliver Jerusalem from Assyria.  He laid the threatening Assyrian messages he had been receiving before the Lord, praying that the God of Israel, alone, is the God over all the kingdoms of the earth and that “You have made the heavens and the earth.”  Hezekiah asked that God deliver them from the Assyrians “so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone are God.”

Challenge:

Today’s lesson provides us with a blueprint or a pattern for how we can respond to any crises that we may have with our faith, prayer, and reliance on God.

While researching today’s lesson, I learned something I had not considered before.  I love history.  But what do we learn from history?  What does 2 Kings 19 reveal to us today?  It reveals this to us:

·       God is Our 911 when faced with overwhelming threats or bad news.  Our first response should be to turn to God in prayer.  Do not give in to despair.

·       Sovereignty and Purpose.  God controls all nations and all events.

·       Humble Prayer and Faith.  Hezekiah’s prayer is a model of humble, faith-filled prayer, acknowledging God’s unique power and asking for rescue so all would know Him.

·       Divine Intervention.  This chapter shows God’s willingness to intervene miraculously in seemingly impossible situations when His people call on Him.  Verses 35-37 tells us that God sent an angel to kill 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

·       Hope and Restoration.  Even in difficult times, God promises future restoration and survival (vs. 30), offering us hope for rebuilding.

·       God’s Glory is the Goal.  Our prayer should highlight that God saves His people, not just for their own good, but so that His name and glory would be known among all people.

What does today’s Bible verse say to you?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, You alone are God over your creations in heaven and on earth.  We come before you with our sins and fears because we are small and helpless.  We ask that you, our God, grant us Your divine intervention in our lives, not because we deserve it, but so that all people will know You are God alone.  Amen.