You Just Think YOU Can

“. . . And as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper” (2 Chron 26:5).

At sixteen years old, Uzziah was made king over Judah after his father's death; he reigned for fifty-two years. As long as he sought the Lord’s counsel, God helped him overcome the enemy, fortify his kingdom, increase his mighty army, water wells, food production, and livestock, and make exceptional weapons of war. His greatness spread abroad, as far as Egypt. God marvelously helped him until “he became strong” (v. 15)—he proudly attributed his accomplishments to his abilities. But unlawfully entering the Lord’s temple to burn incense on the altar of incense was his greatest rebellious act. When the priests forbade him to desecrate the offering, he angrily proceeded, and immediately leprosy rose upon his forehead. The king died a leper (v. 21), secluded from his family, kingdom, and the Lord’s house. Pride always carries consequences. We are who we are; we do what we do—we exist only and can do nothing but by God’s grace.