Surely, it was for my benefit.
Scripture:
Isaiah 38:1-3
“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.”
Isaiah 38:17
Devotional:
In this story, King Hezekiah became super ill and was going to die. He began weeping to the Lord, saying, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (Isaiah 38:3) Further through this chapter, King Hezekiah begins begging God to heal him because he’s been so faithful to Him. The Lord spoke to the prophet Isaiah and said, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.” Now, verse 17 is part of his response, “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love, you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”
While reading through this chapter, my wheels began to spin thinking, “Okay, so every time something bad happens, I need to start weeping and cry out to God, and then he’ll heal or make right whatever may be the issue.” I mean yes, but also no. My point is that what King Hezekiah did is exactly what God wants us to do. He wants us to cry out to him in all situations, good or bad. But also, we need to remind ourselves that God has a purpose for every circumstance of our lives. When we are struggling with sickness, loss, depression, and anxiety, He wants us to seek Him. Through our suffering, we should think, “How can I grow in my faith more because of what I’m going through? Or what is God trying to teach me during this situation?” He knows our thoughts and actions before they happen. He knows our last day. Our God is all-knowing, omniscient.
In August of 2025, I experienced a miscarriage that caused a lot of pain and heartache, and I frankly questioned God. Like most, I experience thoughts like “How could God let this happen, or why would he do this?” During this time, I was studying the book of James and came across this passage that stopped me in my tracks. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Though yes, the pain and suffering of losing a child is almost unbearable, James tells us that through these trials comes spiritual maturity and almost our promise from God that we won’t lack anything. Though a piece of my heart is missing, I know that baby is safe in the arms of Jesus, waiting for me to get there.
The latter part of Isaiah 38:17 says, “In your love, you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Even in our sin-filled, broken-hearted lives, the Lord CHOOSES to love us unconditionally. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We can’t even truly imagine what love like this feels like. King Hezekiah wept because he wasn’t ready to die yet, BUT GOD remained faithful and kept his promise to Hezekiah in his prayer. “Surely it is for my benefit…” when I face any trial because God is on the other side, keeping His promise to me.
Prayer:
Father,
I come to you today, seeking your guidance as my heart aches and feels heavy. May your arms surround me when I’m confused and unsure of decisions, unsure of how to move forward, or just unsure of life at all. I pray to seek you in my suffering, knowing you’ll never leave me or forsake me. Continue to guide my life and my steps, in Jesus' name, Amen.