When Bitterness Makes you Better

Isaiah 38:1 (ESV) In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.”

The words, "in those days" remind us that as Hezekiah faced international threats from the Assyrians he was also facing personal threats against his health. When it rains it pours. And God's Word was simple, this is the end, get ready to die. 

Could you imagine this position? Hezekiah could have a strong case for "Why me?" But the truth about life is that oftentimes, we are fighting more than one battle. In those seasons we may be tempted to think, "why pray" or "why me?" as it seems God is simply out to get us. 

But Hezekiah prevails once more in prayer - this time for his own person.

Isaiah 38:2–3 (ESV) Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Now this chapter introduces us to a moment when prayer changed God's mind. Notice the instant response from Isaiah. 

Isaiah 38:4–6 (ESV) Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 5 “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city.

The last part in verse 6 shows us that it was indeed at the time of Assyria's threat that Hezekiah fell ill. He was attacked without and within. And yet you have to think, perhaps this was God's intention to instigate prayer from this man of God. In fact, we know that was the case for Hezekiah himself sings a song to God in response to His deliverance. And notice what he says. 

Isaiah 38:17 (ESV) Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

I like the NLT of this verse:

Isaiah 38:17 (NLT) Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.

Anguish and bitterness can make you better. When the enemy surrounds you and the weakness of your body sickens you, God is getting ready to do great things for you. Only cry out to Him.

But one more thing is found in Hezekiah's heart from this bitterness that truly made him better. His first question after he is healed through the application of an ointment of figs is the following:

Isaiah 38:22 (ESV) Hezekiah also had said, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?”

See it? He wanted his first priority to be worship. He realized he had drifted from this and now with his health restored and peace in his kingdom, he will not forsake it. The presence of God will be his FIRST. This is ultimately the key to getting better from what makes us bitter. Our anguish breaks us free from the hold this world has on us and makes us long for the home we have in Him. 

Amen.