Turning The Verdict Through Prayer Series

TURNING THE VERDICT THROUGH PRAYER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 20:1-11

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 38:1-5; James 5:16-18; Psalm 34:17; Jeremiah 33:3; Luke 18:1-8

INTRODUCTION:

King Hezekiah was a righteous king who had led Judah in reforms and restored temple worship. Yet, in the prime of his leadership, he received a troubling message from the prophet Isaiah: “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.” It was not an attack from the enemy—it was a direct word from the Lord.

However, Hezekiah did something profound. He did not complain, negotiate, or resist the prophet. He turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the Lord, reminding Him of his faithfulness. That heartfelt prayer triggered divine intervention. Before Isaiah had left the courtyard, God gave him a new word—fifteen more years were added to the king’s life.

This passage teaches us that prayer has the power to reverse verdicts, extend destinies, and reveal God's mercy in crisis.

1. GOD SOMETIMES ALLOWS HARD MESSAGES TO TEST OUR RESPONSE

The word was true, yet not final.

a) God uses prophetic words to awaken spiritual sensitivity (v.1)

“Set your house in order” was a divine call for reflection and alignment.

b) The message was from a true prophet, but it invited intercession

Not all judgment is irreversible; some are conditional.

c) A crisis moment is often an invitation to deeper communion

Hezekiah chose prayer over panic.

d) Your response to divine dealings can shape your outcome

Hezekiah’s reaction changed his story entirely.

Biblical Example: Nineveh was spared after Jonah’s prophecy because they repented (Jonah 3:4-10).

2. PRAYER CAN TURN DIVINE VERDICTS INTO DIVINE MERCY

Hezekiah’s prayer touched the heart of God.

a) Prayer is a weapon for negotiation in the spirit (v.2–3)

Hezekiah pleaded his case before the Lord with humility and sincerity.

b) God listens when the righteous cry out (Psalm 34:17)

Hezekiah reminded God of his heart and life of devotion.

c) Intimate prayer touches God in a personal way

Turning to the wall signified full focus and dependence.

d) The delay of judgment can be secured by genuine prayer

Prayer is God’s appointed method for mercy.

Biblical Example: Moses pleaded with God and averted Israel’s destruction (Exodus 32:11-14).

3. GOD CAN SEND A SECOND WORD THAT NULLIFIES THE FIRST

God changed the message before the prophet left.

a) God is not limited—He responds to new posture with new instruction (v.4–5)

Hezekiah’s tears moved the heart of heaven.

b) God honours prayer that flows from the heart, not just the mouth

“Tell Hezekiah, I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.”

c) What was once settled in judgment can be settled in grace

God added 15 more years in response.

d) There is no delay in heaven’s response when the heart is right

Isaiah returned immediately with the new word.

Biblical Example: God changed His word to Ahab after he humbled himself (1 Kings 21:27-29).

4. GOD CONFIRMS HIS WORD THROUGH SUPERNATURAL SIGNS

He gave Hezekiah a sign to strengthen his faith.

a) God is not only merciful—He is willing to confirm His mercy (v.8–11)

Hezekiah asked for a sign, and God honoured it.

b) The shadow went backward ten degrees—a reversal in time

What was lost was restored supernaturally.

c) Divine signs are not for show—they build faith

God’s dealings are marked with assurance.

d) God will sometimes suspend natural laws to fulfil divine purposes

The sun moved back to affirm God's word.

Biblical Example: Gideon asked for a sign through the fleece, and God responded (Judges 6:36-40).

5. A PRAYING MAN CAN OUTLIVE NEGATIVE PROPHECIES

Hezekiah was supposed to die, but he lived.

a) Destiny is not shaped by prophecy alone, but by response to prophecy

Hezekiah responded with prayer, not despair.

b) God values a heart that pleads for more time to fulfil purpose

His request was not selfish—it was covenantal.

c) The verdict of death turned into a testimony of healing

Hezekiah’s life was prolonged, and peace was restored.

d) Heaven is open to those who approach God with brokenness

God does not despise a contrite heart.

Biblical Example: Hannah’s desperate prayer altered her barrenness into fruitfulness (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

CONCLUSION:

Hezekiah's story shows that no verdict is final when prayer is offered in sincerity. Even a message from God can be appealed through humility, tears, and intercession. God is not rigid—He is relational. The same God who sent Isaiah to announce death also sent him back to announce life. When we turn to God, He turns to us. Prayer is still the key that opens doors of mercy.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me the grace to respond rightly to every divine message.

2. I receive the spirit of prayer that turns situations around.

3. Every negative verdict over my life, be overturned by mercy.