Uzziah, Picking up the pieces

Uzziah, Picking up the pieces

By Heather Collver

Have you ever picked up where someone else left off? Have you started a new job where someone else ended it abruptly and you were left to pick up the pieces? What about split families, are you a step-parent or someone who is taking care of a foster child? Picking up the pieces isn't always easy, all we have to go with is our own skills, our own experiences to make it work.

Uzziah was only 16 when he took over his father's throne. The same throne his grandfather reigned in years before. It was not new for him, in fact, he was probably groomed towards the knowledge that someday he too would be named King. When he took his Father's place, it was earlier than he probably had planned. He probably didn't feel all that adequate, especially when he also mourned the loss of his Father, who was captured and slain.

Uzziah rose above his feelings of inadequacy and fought back the tears. He built up Jerusalem, cleaning it up and reinforcing it from the battles that had taken place. He built a powerful army, gained Independence from Israel and he was pleasing to the people. He understood his calling as King and reined for 52 years.

Uzziah was a great King, he chose not to dwell on his past.

Both his grandfather and father followed God for a time in their reign as King. It was when they turned from God that they became vulnerable and the Lord no longer offered shelter and protection for them. This rang true for many kings of Judah. Maybe Uzziah picked up on the history and didn't want his fate to be the same as those before him.

His successes were directly related to his spiritual sensitivity. He sought the Lord through a prophet who encouraged him to honor and obey God.

Because of this, Judah enjoyed peace and prosperity.

Has the Lord brought you to a place where you could bring others to peace and prosperity. Are you in a position where you can change the course of a workplace, child's life or other situation? Now is the time to take that job seriously, put away the past, step up to the calling and be on guard. Most of all, obey your God and honor him with all you can, so that you will leave a legacy to those around you.

2 Chronicles 26:5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your wisdom and might. You are amazing, may we bless you always and when peace and prosperity surround us, may we honor you and give you the praise you deserve, for it is not by our own works.

Please pray for a situation you may be in, that you can rise above what was left in pieces. Pray for those around you that may be in the positioin to lead, that they would bring peace and prosperity to that situation. Pray for those who are young.