Day 191

2 Kings 19:14-20:21, Acts 28:1-16, Psalm 83:1-18

On the one hand there is nothing too special about the events of Hezekiah’s life. Having read through the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joshua and so many more, we see what happens when people walk with God, and when that walk is a close one. We have seen the way that God has healed people, we have seen the way that he has saved the nation (repeatedly), we have seen all this before. When it happens in the midst of so many kings NOT walking with God it is like an oasis in the desert, a moment of God when all around seem to be forsaking God. Nothing special and yet at the same time something very special.

There is a very similar picture for Paul. Despite the ship wreck, the new ship to Rome and the fact that he is still very much a prisoner, God is still with him, making sure there are people to welcome him, making sure that he has a roof over his head and that his imprisonment is not as bad as it could be.

One thing that we must continue to do as we read through the Bible in the year is ensure that we are open to what God might be saying. I was looking at what I had written above and pondering what that actually meant for us today. I was wondering what else there was in the passage that I could write about, because I was struggling to find anything major to pick on.

As I was struggling with all of this I was quite conscious that  I am in one of those times when it can be hard to see what God is up to. Going through situations that, to be quite frank, are a bit rubbish. Despite all of this, God is in the midst. I felt God reminding me that there is an oasis in the desert, a place where I can find him and the love and care that he offers, that despite everything that is going on, Jesus has not left and never will.

If you are in that place too, never stop listening for what God is saying in his word. Remember what we have read, both today and on other days and find your own oasis in Christ.