ReignSample

There’s nothing sadder than seeing a godly person stumble and fall when they should be able to finish strong. Sometimes, when insecurities shout, you can start to believe them. That happened to one of the best kings the nation of Judah had ever known.

By all standards, Hezekiah loved God and followed Him. He tore down the centers of idolatry throughout his kingdom (2 Kings 18:4). He trusted God when the Assyrians were about to attack Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:17-19). He even prayed when he fell deathly ill, and God gave him an extra fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:1-11). After walking with God for so long, you’d think Hezekiah would have the faith to remain strong—but no. When dignitaries from Babylon came to the palace, he decided to show off his great wealth. He wanted to impress his visitors. Sadly, his insecurities were loud. And they won. In his weakness, he put his nation at risk. Instead of impressing his guests, he enticed them. Less than a century after Hezekiah’s death, the armies of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and carried the people of Judah into exile.

Somewhere along the way, Hezekiah had forgotten God’s opinion is the only one that matters. We all struggle with insecurity, like Hezekiah. Ask God to help your heart remember the truth about who He says you are when you’re tempted to look for value somewhere other than Him.