Never Turn Back: Finding Rescue in the Presence of God - by Minister Michael Orlé

Intercessor, Minister Michael Orlé, preaches on the biblical narrative of King Hezekiah to illustrate the importance of maintaining humility and gratitude toward God. The Minister recounts how Hezekiah was miraculously healed after a terminal diagnosis but warns that his heart later became filled with pride due to his immense wealth and fame. Through this example, the congregation is urged to acknowledge God as the source of all blessings and to remain steadfast in faith even during times of prosperity. The message emphasizes that sincere repentance and a perfect heart can turn away divine wrath and lead to restoration. Ultimately, it serves as an exhortation for believers to worship boldly, stay rooted in the scriptures, and never forget the Redeemer who rescues them from affliction.Key Points:The story of King Hezekiah serves as a cautionary tale about how pride can manifest after experiencing profound divine intervention and material success. Hezekiah was a mighty king who initially did what was right in the sight of God. However, his spiritual trajectory shifted once he began to receive significant wealth and fame.The dangers of pride in Hezekiah’s story are illustrated through several key themes:Hezekiah experienced a miraculous recovery after being "sick unto death," a situation where the prophet Isaiah originally told him to set his house in order because he would not survive. After crying out to God and being granted an additional 15 years of life, Hezekiah received "exceedingly much riches" and honor. The Minister highlights the danger that once a person is "pulled out of the bed of affliction" or granted wealth, they may forget their redeemer and the source of their strength. In Hezekiah’s case, he "remembered not again according to the benefit done unto him," because his heart was lifted.A significant insight provided by the Minister is that the pride of a leader has far-reaching consequences. Because Hezekiah’s heart was lifted up, wrath came not only upon him but also upon Judah and Jerusalem. This illustrates that the danger of pride following a blessing is not merely a personal spiritual failing but can bring judgment upon an entire household or community. Those in positions of authority must be especially careful to "acknowledge him in all thy ways" to avoid leading those under their care into trouble.The Minister defines the danger of pride as the heart becoming "lifted" to the point where the blessing itself becomes a "God" rather than the One who gave the blessing. To counteract this, the story emphasizes the necessity of "alignment" and a "contrite heart". Hezekiah eventually recognized his error and humbled himself for the pride of his heart. Because of this humility, the Lord restrained His hand, and the threatened wrath did not fall during Hezekiah’s lifetime.Minister Michael uses Hezekiah’s life to warn contemporary believers that the enemy often attacks through the distraction of blessings. They note that many people receive blessings, such as a new car or healing, and then disappear from their spiritual walk. The story of Hezekiah teaches that:Wealth and health should not lead to forgetting God, but rather to increased worship.One must never feel "too proud" to return to the "foot of the cross" or to testify about past sins and God's mercy.Humbleness is the key to restoration; even after pride has taken root, God can restore a person "100-fold" if they humble themselves as Hezekiah did.Rec. Date: 29th October, 2023