INTRODUCTION: At this point in Israel's history, there was a great need for godly leadership. Israel was being challenged by a strong enemy, Assyria (see Is. 36:1-2; 5-7, 10, 15).
1. "You are weak!"
2. "Your allies are undependable."
3. "You have no standing with your own god."
4. "In fact, I am God's instrument to punish you!"
RESULT: Of course the Jews were depressed, discouraged and doubtful.

IN MANY RESPECTS, THE CHURCH TODAY IS LIKE ISRAEL OF OLD:
1. We are challenged by strong enemies.
2. Our allies may prove undependable.
3. Do we have a good standing with our God?
4. Don't we fear that God is about to punish His people?
5. Aren't many Christians depressed, discouraged and doubtful?

HEZEKIAH EXEMPLIFIED STRONG GODLY/CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP:

I. He humbled himself before God. (Is. 37:1)

II. He persuaded the other leaders to humble themselves, too. (Is. 37:2)

III. He enlisted the help of God's prophet. (Is. 37:2-4)

IV. He prayed. (Is. 37:14-20)

V. He had faith that Jehovah was the one true God. (Is. 37:19)

VI. He was concerned for the glory of God, not just himself or his country. (Is. 37:20)

CONCLUSION: God heard Hezekiah's prayer, and God brought deliverance. The key to success in the Christian life is that GOD MUST WORK. We are not strong enough to do the things that need to be done: In evangelism, in national revival, in healing marriages, in child rearing, in church building. God must do it, and the good Christian leader is a man or woman who realizes this fact, and who leads people to trust in God's arm, not their own.