TURN YOUR FACE TO THE WALL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Kings 20:1-11
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 38:1-5; Psalm 102:17; James 5:16-18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 34:15
INTRODUCTION:
This powerful narrative focuses on King Hezekiah, a righteous man confronted with a terminal prophecy: “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.” Despite the certainty of the message delivered by the prophet Isaiah, Hezekiah refused to accept death without a response. He turned his face to the wall, wept bitterly, and prayed fervently. God heard—and reversed the verdict.
Hezekiah’s story is a clear testimony that prayer can overturn prophecy, that divine judgment can be interrupted by sincere intercession. It also reminds us that God is not a tyrant looking to destroy lives—He listens when the righteous cry out.
Sometimes in life, it seems like the sentence is final. But in those moments, the believer must learn to turn away from distractions and face the wall of divine mercy. When you can’t appeal to people, you can appeal to God.
1. EVEN THE RIGHTEOUS FACE HARD SEASONS
Hezekiah was faithful, yet sickness visited his house.
a) Righteous living does not exempt us from life’s trials (v.1)
Hezekiah “walked before God in truth,” yet became sick unto death.
b) Difficult seasons test our convictions and faith
Suffering often reveals our deepest theology.
c) God’s love doesn’t always prevent hardship—but it sees us through
God allows trials to birth deeper dependence on Him.
d) The righteous must learn how to respond when tested
Hezekiah responded with prayer, not protest.
Biblical Example: Job was upright, yet suffered loss—but held on to God (Job 1:8-22).
2. GOD LISTENS TO FERVENT AND SINCERE PRAYER
Hezekiah’s prayer moved the heart of God.
a) He turned his face to the wall, shutting out distractions (v.2)
Sometimes, you must disconnect to connect with God.
b) His prayer was not rehearsed, but real and raw
He reminded God of his walk, faith, and dedication.
c) Tears are not weakness—they are intercession in liquid form (v.3)
God collects our tears and responds to heartfelt brokenness.
d) Prayer is not just speaking—it’s presenting our case before the Judge of heaven
Hezekiah pleaded, and God relented.
Biblical Example: Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord—and was heard (1 Samuel 1:10-18).
3. GOD CAN REVERSE EVEN THE MOST FINAL SITUATION
God sent Isaiah back with a new word.
a) Before Isaiah left the court, God had already answered (v.4–5)
Delay is not denial—God hears quickly, but answers on time.
b) What looked like the end became a new beginning
Hezekiah received 15 more years of life.
c) God is not bound by the first verdict—He is sovereign over time and seasons
Even death bows to divine mercy.
d) The God who speaks can also speak again
Prophetic decrees are not beyond divine revision when mercy is sought.
Biblical Example: Nineveh was spared when they repented after Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:4-10).
4. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS—AND PEOPLE
Hezekiah’s cry didn’t just prolong his life—it changed his destiny.
a) His prayer added 15 years to his life and deliverance to his city (v.6)
God answered both the personal and national dimension of his cry.
b) Prayer activates angelic and divine help in unseen realms
God promised to defend the city as part of the answer.
c) A praying man can shift the destiny of his generation
You may be the one standing between your family and destruction.
d) Miracles often follow prevailing prayer
A healing miracle and a heavenly sign followed his prayer.
Biblical Example: Elijah’s prayer brought fire, rain, and national revival (1 Kings 18:36-38).
5. GOD CAN GIVE YOU A SIGN TO PROVE HIS PROMISES
Hezekiah requested confirmation—and God obliged.
a) God granted a supernatural sign: the sun moved backwards (v.9–11)
He controls nature to confirm His word.
b) Divine signs reassure faith and silence doubt
They are not magic—they are manifestations of covenant.
c) Faith does not exclude confirmation when it comes from a place of sincerity
Hezekiah wasn’t testing God—he was asking for assurance.
d) When God says “I will,” He also shows “how”
The shadow turning backward was heaven’s stamp on His promise.
Biblical Example: Gideon received signs to confirm God’s call (Judges 6:36–40).
CONCLUSION:
Hezekiah’s story is a sacred reminder that no situation is beyond the reach of prayer. When the final word seems spoken, you can still cry out to the One who has the last word. God is not intimidated by terminal conditions, negative reports, or even prophetic decrees—He is moved by humble, honest prayer.
Don’t just accept every sentence life or man gives you. Turn your face to the wall. Weep if you must. Plead your case. And watch the mercy of God reverse the irreversible.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to seek You when crisis comes, not man.
2. Father, deliver me from every sentence of premature death or destruction.
3. Let the altar of prayer in my life be revived and empowered.
4. By Your mercy, overturn every evil report concerning my life and family.
5. I receive grace to cry to You sincerely and persistently until I see results.
6. Every word You have spoken over me—Lord, confirm it with divine signs.
7. Let divine intervention cancel the plans of the enemy in my life.
8. Grant me supernatural extensions of life, health, and destiny fulfilment.
9. Like Hezekiah, help me live a life that can speak before You in the day of trouble.
10. Father, in Your mercy, give me another chance where man has written me off.
