#soap # Isaiah 39 ## Title: Living Beyond Yourself ## Scripture: (Isaiah 39:8) Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The Lord’s message that you have announced is appropriate.” Then he thought, “For there will be peace and stability during my lifetime.” (NET) ## Observation: When you’re young, it is easy to get wrapped up in making your mark in the world and trying to make a life for yourself. It is also easy to think about what you are doing and what’s happening right in front of you. In this passage, Hezekiah is only focusing on what’s in front of him. He is thinking that he can secure peace during his lifetime. On one hand, it is important to focus on what God has given you to do and what’s happening right now. However, it should never come at the expense of those who will come after you. It reminds me of going to the restroom one day. I was waiting in line and saw a guy struggling to get the automatic paper towel dispenser to work because his hands were wet. When he finally managed it, he also had the dispenser roll some out for the guy who would come after him. This small act of kindness teaches a big lesson. We should take care of our business, but also live in a way that it makes things a little easier for those who come after us. Give what we wish we had. ## Application: Pay it forward. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for those who have gone before us whom we will never know.