God Responds to Hezekiah

God Responds to Hezekiah

To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here.

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Last week we talked about the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove if his God, Yahweh, or their god, Baal was more powerful and/or real. God provided fire from heaven to show he is real, provided rain for Israel, and provided guidance and comfort for Elijah in the wilderness after the contest. 

Discuss with your group how they have been trying to trust God’s provision with something new in their lives since last week. 

After your time of connecting, begin your meeting with prayer.  

Connect

  • What is your normal response to someone giving you bad news? What actions do you usually take in those situations? 
  • How do you balance your emotions in positive and negative situations?  
  • What is your common reaction to someone telling you about an outcome that you disagree with?

Opening Thought 

How we respond to things in life can build us into a stronger more resilient person if we are wise. When we make decisions, there can be consequences, either good or bad, and we can choose to accept or fight those. Similarly, how we trust in God to deliver us from challenges in life can develop our faith. We may hear some unwelcome news that affects us and choose to fix it on our own or we may accept it and move on, thinking it’ll just work itself out. God invites us to choose a third choice: going to him first about any troubles or successes. This is one way to build our relationship with God and stay faithful to have God at the center of our lives. 

This leads us to our main idea for this week:  

Main idea for the week
We can be faithful to God by humbly
accepting God’s decisions

The Story so Far

The Israelite kingdom has been split into two kingdoms: the norther kingdom of Israel (or Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah. Some of the kings of both nations are faithful to God, but many of the kings of both nations were unfaithful to God, specifically Israel. As a result, God sent prophets to guide the northern kingdom (Israel) to guide the people back to worship him, two of the most prominent prophets were Elijah and his successor Elisha. Many of Israel’s kings became increasingly evil and unfaithful to God and as a result, God allowed the Assyrian (a major nation at the time) King Shalmanesar to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel, scatter them among the Assyrian nation, and bring foreigners into Israel to mix with them. This was part of how Assyrian would subjugate the people they conquered. As a result, the people of Israel in the north are scattered and have lost their national identity, fulfilling the warnings that many prophets gave about what would happen if the Israelite people did not return to and be faithful to God.  

Here’s where we are this week

The southern kingdom of Judah, while having evil kings, remains faithful to worshipping God, or treating him as holy and as their only God, for much longer than its northern cousins. This week, we will talk about one of Judah’s kings named Hezekiah, who was one of the most prominent and faithful kings of Judah (2 Kings 18:5). Eight years after the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire, a new Assyrian king named Sennacherib tries and fails to invade Jerusalem. After first trying to take care of things on his own, Hezekiah asks for guidance from the prophet Isaiah, who calls him to show his faithfulness and dedication to God by trusting that God would take care of his people. When Hezekiah sought God’s help in this way, it resulted in God protecting the city of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:13-19:37).  

The story we will discuss today happens shortly after the Assyrian invasion. Despite the events seen so far in his story, Hezekiah becomes terminally ill, but he does not lose faithfulness to God. As a result, God shows his power miraculously through him, despite Hezekiah later showing that he is flawed and human.  

Unpack 

Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: 

Read  

2 Kings 20:1-7 

Unpack 

  • What is Hezekiah’s first response to hearing that he is going to die? What would have caused this to be his first reaction? 
    • How does Hezekiah’s reaction to his illness demonstrate his faith in God? 
      • How much do you desire a similar faith in your own life? What are some steps you could take to practice your faith more? 
  • Why do you think God told Hezekiah he would not recover from his illness only to then heal Hezekiah?  
    • How often do you believe in the power and necessity of prayer? How does this story inspire you to pray and seek God’s intervention in difficult times? 
      • How do we still live faithfully to God when he doesn’t answer our prayers how we hope he will? 

Read  

2 Kings 20:8-11 

Unpack 

  • Why do you think Hezekiah asked God for a sign that he would be healed? Why do you think God decided to show Hezekiah a sign? 
    • Why was the shadow receding (most likely on a sundial or steps of some kind to show time) instead of going forward significant?  
      • What do you think this says about God’s power over time and nature? How could keeping this in mind give us confidence? 

The Books of Chronicles in the Old Testament are a later retelling of the books of Samuel and Kings with different emphasis. 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 tells us that after Hezekiah was healed, he became “proud” and had to repent because it angered God that he reacted that way.  

  • Why do you think Hezekiah became proud after being healed? Why do you think God became angry that Hezekiah was proud when it was due to God healing him? 
  • How does this passage foreshadow Hezekiah’s interaction with the Babylonians? 

Read  

2 Kings 20:12-21 

Unpack 

  • Why do you think Hezekiah chose to show his treasures to the Babylonian envoys? Why was being friendly and showing the kingdom to the envoys a problem in the first place? 
    • What are some ways we can seek humility with what God has given us instead of boasting?  
  • Why do you think Hezekiah responded to the prophecy about Babylon in the way he did?  
    • What can Hezekiah’s response to the prophecy about Babylon teach us about facing the consequences of our actions? 
  • How can we apply Hezekiah’s acceptance of the prophecy about Jerusalem’s downfall to situations where we must accept unpleasant truths in our own lives? 

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

  • How will you trust God to work out a challenging situation in your life, even if it doesn’t get resolved how you think it should? 
  • How does today’s story challenge or encourage you in your personal journey to follow Jesus?  
  • How will we as a group look to encourage each other to be patient and wait for God’s timing in each other’s lives? 

Closing 

Read the first section to your group, then read the verse out loud to the group, and finally, move to the Prayer and Verses section: 

God wants us to have him at the center of our minds. One way we can do that is to accept the way he wants to lead our lives, be wise in the way we live, and give him glory for anything he has done for us. This week, try to have God at the front of your mind for everything you do. This is one more way we can grow in our relationship with him and be able to see how God calls us to live as his followers.  

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Thematic Reflection Verse for the Week

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

Psalm 27:14 

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”\ 

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: 2 Peter 3:9 

Day 2: Philippians 4:6 

Day 3: Proverbs 16:32 

Day 4: Ephesians 4:1-3 

Day 5: Proverbs 11:12 

Day 6: 1 Peter 5:6 

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PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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