Once upon a time there lived a man,
And his name was Hezekiah.
He walked with God both day and night,
But he didn’t want to die.
He cried, O Lord, please let me live,
Death is close, I know.
Lord smiled down on Hezekiah,
Gave him fifteen years to go.
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.” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 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. Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “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. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city.
Isaiah 38:1-6, ESV
It was, not fifteen, but twenty years ago today that God brought me right up to the edge. Oh how thankful I am for the extra years:
- To see all of my children reach adulthood and marry.
- To enjoy four grandchildren, and anticipate the two comming this fall.
- To enjoy the company of my wife.
- To give praise to my Savior for saving me and keeping me.
Life is precious. Make the most of every day God gives you. Serve him with your whole being. It is never too late to start over fresh. Every day God gives you is another chance to make a new start for him.