Sermon Central
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Changing The Verdict
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 15, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: No verdict is beyond the reach of God's mercy and power. Like Hezekiah, when we cry to God in faith and sincerity, the sentence can be reversed. He still hears prayers, sees tears, and responds to the cries of His people.
CHANGING THE VERDICT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 38:1–5
"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years."
Supporting Texts: Jonah 3:4–10; Jeremiah 18:7–10; Psalm 102:13; Lamentations 3:22–23; Romans 8:1
INTRODUCTION:
There are moments in life when it seems like all hope is lost and the verdict has already been passed. Whether it's a doctor's report, a legal judgement, a divine pronouncement, or a personal failure, some verdicts carry the weight of finality. But our God is a God who can override any decision and rewrite any outcome.
In the story of King Hezekiah, we see a clear demonstration of God's mercy and willingness to alter His own verdict when a heart truly seeks Him. A death sentence was pronounced, but through prayer and genuine repentance, that verdict was changed. This reveals the nature of our compassionate God, who delights in showing mercy rather than judgement.
Today, many live under the burden of negative verdicts—spiritual, medical, financial, or emotional. But no matter how final it looks, when you turn to God, there is hope. This message explores how divine verdicts can be reversed, and how we can engage God's mercy for a new outcome.
1. GOD HAS THE POWER TO REVERSE ANY VERDICT
Nothing is beyond His ability to change.
a) God is sovereign over all creation.
He alone has the final say (Psalm 115:3).
b) He specialises in impossible cases.
What man cannot do, God makes possible (Luke 1:37).
c) He changes times and seasons.
Even decrees set by men or spirits can be overturned (Daniel 2:21).
d) His mercy triumphs over judgement.
Mercy is God's nature and first response to a repentant heart (James 2:13).
Biblical Example: Nineveh’s destruction was reversed when the people repented (Jonah 3:4–10).
2. GENUINE REPENTANCE MOVES GOD’S HEART
Repentance is a key to divine mercy.
a) God responds to a broken and contrite heart.
True sorrow invites His compassion (Psalm 51:17).
b) Repentance reconnects us to His purpose.
It opens the door to restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14).
c) Pride hinders divine intervention.
Humility is the posture that attracts grace (James 4:6).
d) God remembers covenant and righteousness.
Hezekiah’s upright walk played a role in his rescue (Isaiah 38:3).
Biblical Example: David’s verdict after sin was mitigated through repentance (2 Samuel 12:13–14).
3. FERVENT PRAYER CHANGES THE COURSE OF EVENTS
Prayer is a weapon against negative verdicts.
a) Prayer invites divine intervention.
Hezekiah's prayer was heard and answered (Isaiah 38:5).
b) Prayer releases angelic assistance.
God sends help when we cry to Him (Psalm 34:17).
c) Prayer aligns us with heaven’s agenda.
It allows God’s will to manifest (Matthew 6:10).
d) Consistent prayer weakens demonic resistance.
Even long-standing verdicts can be broken through persistent prayer (Luke 18:1–8).
Biblical Example: Peter was released from prison through the prayer of the Church (Acts 12:5–11).
4. GOD’S COMPASSION IS RENEWED DAILY
Each day carries the possibility of a new outcome.
a) His mercies are new every morning.
God gives daily opportunities for change (Lamentations 3:22–23).
b) A divine visitation can change everything.
One touch from God alters situations (Luke 7:13–15).
c) Delays are not denials.
Sometimes God waits to bring a greater testimony (John 11:4–44).
d) God’s favour can reverse past judgments.
When favour comes, old verdicts lose their power (Psalm 102:13).
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was supposed to die, but Jesus reversed her fate (John 8:3–11).
5. LIVE IN THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S JUSTICE AND LOVE
Even in judgement, God remembers mercy.
a) There is no condemnation in Christ.
Believers are justified through faith (Romans 8:1).
b) God’s love is unshakable.
He doesn't delight in punishing His children (Ezekiel 18:23).
c) Stand on His promises.
The Word of God is a solid foundation (Psalm 119:89).
d) Walk in faith, not fear.
Trust that God can still change your story (Hebrews 11:6).
Biblical Example: The thief on the cross had a last-minute verdict change and entered paradise (Luke 23:42–43).
CONCLUSION:
No verdict is beyond the reach of God's mercy and power. Like Hezekiah, when we cry to God in faith and sincerity, the sentence can be reversed. He still hears prayers, sees tears, and responds to the cries of His people.
