2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Psalm 67; 1 Corinthians 9

Despite Hezekiah's deep piety and the many deeds he performed to free the people from idolatry, God allowed a severe trial in his life. The center of this trial is testing Hezekiah's trust: "What confidence is this in which you trust?" (2 Kings 18:19).

In these circumstances, Hezekiah takes the right step by turning to God personally and through the prophet Isaiah: "When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. He sent Eliakim, the palace administrator, Shebna, the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz." (2 Kings 19:1-2).

In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God gives him a miraculous, fantastic victory, delivering Jerusalem from imminent destruction and the people from inevitable death.

You can listen to more about this in the sermons:

When Hope Is Being Tested - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDQIHCxVtWw 
When Hope Triumphs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZehZ1TJ3xRI 

Psalm 67

The psalmist asks for God's mercy upon himself and his people but does not ask for it for his own sake or well-being. His primary goal is "so that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." (Psalm 66:3). This is a beautiful example of praying "in His name." God blesses us in remarkable ways when we seek not our will but God's, becoming conduits of His will.

1 Corinthians 9

In opposing the false teachers who questioned his apostleship, Paul speaks of his dedication, expressed in his self-sacrifice and tireless work. He does this entirely voluntarily. Although he had the right to many benefits, he renounced them for the Gospel's sake and souls' salvation. This became his primary motivation and goal: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." (1 Corinthians 9:19). "I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:23). A life motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to approach ministry correctly.