When He Was Strong
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 26:15-16
He (Uzziah) was marvelously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.
Uzziah’s downfall was not in his strength. Not directly at least. His strength was a wonderful gift from God. This strength from God was what enabled Uzziah to push back against the enemies of God’s people and expand the borders of his kingdom. By this strength he had from God, Uzziah was able to produce good things for himself and the people he ruled over.
God’s strength is good. It comes through humble faith and reliance on God.
Uzziah’s problems began when he forgot that the strength he had was borrowed. It was the Lord’s strength. That forgetfulness led him to conclude that his strength was his strength. He became proud. He exalted himself and not God. As a result, Uzziah’s life ended with him living in exile as a leper.
This is not a one-off story. If this was a problem unique to Uzziah we might be right to pay it little mind. But we shouldn’t forget that Samson also started thinking his strength was his strength. When he did, “he went out not knowing that the Spirit of God had left him.” He was captured, imprisoned, blinded, tortured, and enslaved by the Philistines.
David, having come to believe the kingdom had become his own by his strength, numbered the people of Israel and brought God’s judgment upon them.
Solomon forgot his humble beginning to his rule when he sought God’s wisdom. He began to believe his wisdom was from him, not God and the kingdom split after his death.
Peter forgot it was his closeness to Christ that kept him from falling away. He boldly declared, “Even if everyone else forsakes you, I won’t.” Then he denied Christ three times.
Thank God for whatever strength he gives you. If He makes you wise, if he gives you gifts, if he advances you in work, or in whatever way God blesses and prospers you, give thanks. Then, pray that you will never slip into the way of Uzziah and grow proud when you are strong because it will be to your destruction if you do.
