What can we learn from Uzziah's strength about relying on God's power? Reading the Verse “ The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, because he became exceedingly strong.” (2 Chronicles 26:8) Uzziah’s Strength: Rooted in God • Uzziah’s “exceeding” strength was directly linked to the Lord’s favor (26:5). • His military victories, agricultural expansion, and rising reputation flowed from divine empowerment, not mere personal talent. • Scripture repeatedly stresses that true might comes from God’s hand, not human ingenuity (Psalm 33:16–17). Lessons on Relying on God’s Power • Recognize the Source – Strength is a gift: “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). – Pride fades when we remember every victory traces back to the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). • Submit before You Serve – Uzziah “set himself to seek God” early in his reign (2 Chronicles 26:5). Seeking precedes succeeding. – “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). • Stay Dependent, Even When Successful – Later, Uzziah’s pride led to downfall (26:16). Past blessings do not license future self-reliance. – “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Draw Strength Daily – God renews power continually: “He gives strength to the weary” (Isaiah 40:29). – Reliance is ongoing: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Complementary Scriptures • Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” • Psalm 20:7 — “Some trust in chariots… but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 — Power is perfected in weakness, driving us to rest in Christ’s sufficiency. Living it Out Today • Begin tasks with conscious dependence—inviting God’s guidance before engaging your skills. • Celebrate victories by giving public credit to God, keeping humility at the forefront. • Monitor your heart: success can breed self-confidence; counter it with Scripture, worship, and accountability. • When weakness surfaces, see it as opportunity to watch God’s strength shine through you. |
    |