6/2 2 Kings 20:5

5 "Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD,


God warned Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah that he was about to die. Hezekiah pleaded with God with tears for a longer life. God granted him fifteen more years and promised to keep Jerusalem from being conquered. God even gave him reassurance that it would happen by a sign. The shadow of the sun moved backward ten steps.

Sometimes we are given extra time. Perhaps it is an answer to prayer or the intervention of a doctor that is at the right place at the right time with the specific knowledge of what one needs. What will we do with that extra time?

Hezekiah grew proud (2Chronicles 32:25). He showed the emissaries from Babylon all his treasure which would incite a future conquest of Judah by Babylon. He fathered a son that would be one of the worst kings in Judah's history. God tested him to reveal what was in his heart, and Hezekiah again humbled himself before the Lord.

Consider: Every day is a gift from God. We can use it wisely and focus on eternity, or we can become wrapped up in the things of this world and the pride of life. What are you doing with the time God has given you?