King Uzziah: Growing So Strong He Became Weak

Image of "God never gives you more than you can handle." crossed out.

In today’s Bible reading* we read about King Uzziah, among other kings, some of whom did what pleased God while others didn’t. King Uzziah was one of the good kings.

Until he wasn’t.

2 Chronicles attests to King Uzziah’s dedication to God. And God rewarded Uzziah and strengthened him. Unfortunately, as he grew strong, he became weak.

Application

I have often heard the unbiblical comment that “God never gives you more than you can handle.” That statement couldn’t be more incorrect. Actually, the comment is a misquote of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” (CSB)

Paul doesn’t say that God won’t give you more than you can handle. He says that temptations that come upon you will always be accompanied by a way of escape; you never have to give into temptation.

No, I would argue that God often gives us more than we can handle. Otherwise, we would never need to cry out to Him for His deliverance. We would never press in to hear His voice. If God never gave us more than we could handle, then we would be completely self-reliant. We would become arrogant. Just like King Uzziah. (2 Chronicles 26:16)

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– 2 Kings 14
– 2 Kings 15
– 2 Chronicles 25
– 2 Chronicles 26
– 2 Chronicles 27

This devotional was originally published on June 29, 2021.

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