Guard Your Heart After Success.

** 📖 2 Chronicles 32:25 (NKJV)**

"But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem."

My Dear Children,

King Hezekiah had seen God do amazing things. God had delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian army, healed him from a deadly illness, and even caused the shadow on the sundial to move backward as a sign that He would keep His promise (2 Kings 20:8–11).

Soon after these miracles, visitors arrived from Babylon. They came because they had heard about Hezekiah's recovery and the miraculous sign.

What many people overlook is that God allowed this moment to reveal what was in Hezekiah's heart. Instead of giving glory to God, Hezekiah proudly showed the Babylonian officials all his treasures—his silver, gold, spices, precious oil, armor, and everything in his storehouses (2 Kings 20:12–13).

The Bible explains why this happened: "God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31)

God already knew Hezekiah's heart, but the test revealed it to Hezekiah himself and to the nation. Success can sometimes become a greater test than hardship. Difficulties often drive us to God, while success can tempt us to depend on ourselves.

Proverbs 16:18 warns us, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

James 4:6 reminds us, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." God delights in hearts that remember Him even after seasons of blessing.

Relevance to Life and Family

When God blesses us with good grades, a new job, success in business, good health, or answered prayers, it is easy to begin thinking that we accomplished these things on our own.

Hezekiah reminds us to remain humble. Every blessing we receive is an opportunity to glorify God, not ourselves.

Family Reflection

• Why did God allow Hezekiah to be tested?
• Why can success sometimes be more dangerous than hardship?
• How can our family remain humble when God blesses us?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for every blessing You have given our family. Protect our hearts from pride and teach us to give You all the glory. Help us remain humble in times of success and faithful in every season of life. May everything we have and everything we achieve point others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.