READING: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Sometimes success gets in the way of following God.
When Rehoboam began his reign in Jerusalem, Levites from Israel joined him there, and “those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors” (2 Chron 11:16). The kingdom of Judah was stronger, walking in the ways of David and Solomon.
That focus would not last, however. In fact, it would last only three years.
Listen to these alarming words: “After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord” (2 Chron 12:1). Apparently, it’s one thing to trust God when you’re building your kingdom, but it’s another matter to keep trusting Him after you’ve become strong. Many of us have probably lived that truth at some level:
- We seek Him fully as new believers but trust ourselves as we “grow” in our faith.
- We lean on God as newlyweds but become more self-dependent when we’re more established.
- We trust God early in life when we need His help to pay bills, but we lean on self when we have more money in the bank.
- We lift our children to God as young parents who know nothing about parenting, but then we fail to pray once we’ve figured it out.
- We pray much as young ministers but then often pray less with a little more education and experience under our belt.
We’re a bit like Rehoboam: once we’re established and have become strong, we rely on self. We may not fully turn our back and abandon God, but we’re nonetheless guilty of stepping away from dependence. Success sometimes gets in the way of our faithfulness.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for any success He has given you.
- Confess any self-dependence you’ve exhibited in turn.
- Intentionally ask His help for everything you do today.
PRAYER: “God, sometimes I’m way too strong. I should know that by now from reading the Word this year, but still I struggle. Help me.”
TOMORROW¹S READING: 2 Chronicles 13-17
