How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, like Uzziah's? Uzziah’s Snapshot: A Life Recorded for Our Instruction “Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from beginning to end, are indeed written by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.” 2 Chronicles 26:22 What Went Right at First (2 Chronicles 26:4-5, 7, 15) • “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD… He sought God… and as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.” • God helped him against powerful enemies and “his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong.” • Alignment with God’s will brought divine help, protection, and influence. Where It Went Wrong (2 Chronicles 26:16) • “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” • Pride drove him to seize priestly duties, and the LORD struck him with leprosy (26:19-21). • A sobering reminder: starting well does not guarantee finishing well. Timeless Principles for Staying in Step with God • Seek God continually ─ “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 • Saturate your mind with Scripture ─ “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 • Obey immediately and completely ─ “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” James 1:22 • Walk in humble dependence on the Lord ─ “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not personal strength ─ “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 • Embrace wise counsel and accountability ─ “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 • Guard against pride daily ─ “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 Practical Habits to Keep Our Actions Aligned • Begin each day with Scripture reading and prayer, surrendering plans to God. • Pause before decisions—large or small—and ask, “Does this reflect obedience to clear biblical commands?” • Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness; gratitude cultivates humility. • Invite trusted believers to speak into your life; give them permission to correct you. • Serve others quietly; hidden service starves pride and strengthens love. • Regularly review your motives: Am I seeking God’s glory or my own? • End every day with confession and thanksgiving, finishing the day as dependently as it began. Finishing Well Uzziah’s early devotion shows how powerfully God works through a life aligned with His will; his later pride warns that ongoing obedience matters just as much as a strong start. By continually seeking the Lord, immersing ourselves in His Word, and walking humbly in the Spirit, our actions can remain in step with God—bearing lasting fruit and avoiding the pitfalls that undermined Uzziah’s legacy. |
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