Your bad news is turning into good news

It was the toughest news I ever had to deliver.

On that cool September morning, my husband Kenya was getting ready to leave for the office when the phone rang. I answered and noticed that his stepfather’s voice was somber.

Instantly, I knew something wasn’t right.

“What happened? Tell me,” I said, walking backward and slowly lowering myself into a sitting position. Though I wasn’t certain of the details of what I would hear next, the heaviness seeping through the phone receiver let me know it wouldn’t be good.

“Rosie passed away,” he said.

“Wait, what?” I replied.

It wasn’t that I didn’t hear it the first time, but my mind couldn’t process it. My Mother-In-Law, Kenya’s mom, had died suddenly.

Her name was Jinnie. We called her Rosie.

She wasn’t sick. In fact, she had just gone to the doctor and received a great health report. Her final moments, we were told, were spent laughing and talking with her husband. He left to make a quick run to the store. When he returned, she had passed away. Just like that, her life was over and I had to inform Kenya. A part of me wished I had not answered, as if that could have changed the outcome.

A while after, once again, I was placed in the position to be the carrier of bad news. One of his sisters passed away.

For several minutes, before sharing what happened, I sat on the edge of my bed, trying to find the right words. I wanted to be as calm as possible. I worked on my face to mask any emotion. Like any of that would help. There was nothing I could do to bring his loved one back or soften the blow. So I just told him.

And I trusted God to be Kenya’s comfort.

Even though the two of us have been married 20 years and are best friends, I know there are some hurts I cannot heal. I can be there for Kenya, listen and encourage him when necessary, but only God is able to comfort, give strength and peace.

Friend, you never know what will happen in life, or what news awaits you on any given day. Once the sun rises and your feet hit the floor, anything can occur—good or bad.

It may not be the loss of a loved one, or it could be.

Whatever it is, however, you have to know who to take your bad news to: the Lord. That’s what King Hezekiah did in Isaiah 38.

He was the king of Judah at the time and was very ill. Whatever his sickness was, it caused great pain and nearly killed him. Things were pretty rough in his life. On top of sickness almost taking him out, the Assyrians, formidable opponents, were after Hezekiah and his people. If that weren’t enough, things seemed to get even worse. Isaiah the prophet came to Hezekiah and told him he was going to die. Hezekiah was further instructed to notify his family so they could get his affairs in order.

Upon hearing the bad news, however, Hezekiah didn’t call for his relatives. He called on the Lord instead.

The Bible says he turned his face to the wall and cried out to God. Hezekiah said to the Lord in verse 2, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.”

Then the king wept bitterly. He was torn up over the fatal diagnosis. Have you ever received news that tore you up inside? Have you been truly devastated by a shocking turn of events? Have you prayed through tears? I have. And boy is it ever a difficult place to be.

After Hezekiah sought God tearfully, the Bible says the Lord spoke to Isaiah the prophet and gave him a special message for the righteous king. “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.”

God reversed it.

God didn’t stop there, though. He also said, “I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.”

The Lord made good on both promises! Not only did he heal Hezekiah, but the Lord defeated the Assyrians. Sennacherib, the wicked king of Assyria who initiated the attack and openly defied God was killed by his own sons while worshiping idols in the temple.

God turned everything around.

Hezekiah’s life shows us that when things look their worst, God is able to turn them around for the best. But that can only happen when we give our bad news to God. We have to turn it over to the Lord.

One minute, the king was facing death and inevitable wartime defeat, the next, he was healed and victorious in battle.

The bad news turned to good news.

And I’m believing God that the same thing will happen in your life! No matter what the doctors have said; what your finances say; what your family situation says; what your relationship status is; or what your outcome appears most likely to be, God is able to shift things for you.

I declare by faith, your bad news is turning to good news.

In life, when your back is against the wall, do what Hezekiah did and turn your face to the wall. That means cry out like He did. Ask God to work in your favor. The Lord will answer. He will heal, restore, strengthen, provide and change your life for the better.

Perhaps your circumstances look horrible today. All you hear is bad news. Everything around you appears to be falling apart. You’re thinking, Dianna, I don’t see any end to the negative cycle of problems, disappointments and challenges.

But God is speaking the words He said to Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:5 to you today. And I’m stirring those words into your cup of inspiration. God said this: “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, receive those words as your own. They are from God to you. When you give your bad news to our good God, He moves by His power in ways that only He can. 

Trust that He has heard your cry and it’s only a matter of time before the answer shows up.

In the meantime, let your words reflect your faith in God’s promises and sovereignty. When defeat is all around you, speak victory. When symptoms of illness manifest, confess healing.

When roadblocks are in your way, say that you are an overcomer.

When the present test is intense, praise God for your future testimony.

Change is on the way. Your bad news is turning into good news.

Now let's pray.

God, thank You that You are turning my situation around. It might not look like it or feel like it, but I know Your power is greater than any trouble that comes against me. Thank You in advance for my shift, deliverance and breakthrough. It is mine according to Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.