So the Assyrians once again come to Hezekiah, saying, "Don't let your God deceive you. He can't save you because none of the other nations' gods were able to save them." And so Hezekiah goes before the Lord with the letter. And he prays. He starts out by worshiping who God is. Then he recognizes where God is enthroned. Hezekiah lays his plea before God, letting Him know that the Assyrians have destroyed other gods - ones made from wood and stone. Verse 19 is the crucial plea in Hezekiah's prayer. "Now, Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God."
That is it right there. It's all for His glory. Not Israel's. Certainly not Hezekiah's. The ownership of triumph belongs to the God of all nations. That is the heart of people like Hezekiah and Abraham and Moses and David, to do the will of God for His glory.

Father God, I come before Your throne tonight to worship You. Lord, I recognize that You have done so much in my life. I truly wish I could know every little way You have impacted my life for Your kingdom. Maybe I shall have that privelage one day, to sit by Your side and see the joy in Your eyes as You point out Your marvelous work in my life. It is truly awe inspiring the work You do. You don't just let things happen, You cause things. You create. And wonderful are Your creations. Thank You for Jess. I love her with everything I have and that still does not cover it. I thank You for this gift of love; for this relationship. I thank You for her encouragement through rough times. I thank You for where our eyes are turned. If it wasn't for Your Son redeeming us by way of the cross, we wouldn't have the hope we have because of Your mercy and grace and forgiveness. Thank You for creation. For the trees cry out to You, while the grass and the flowers wave in obedience to Your voice. Joy to the mountains who have seen Your faithfullness every day since the beginning. Thank You, Father, for allowing me, such an insignificant man, to see Your creation as You have created it. To be in wonder about the air I breathe. To rejoice in the bread I receive. Your Holy Truth abounds, Lord, may it abound in me from now until I am at the feet of the Living Word. Glory to the highest. Glory to God. amen