This site uses cookies to provide you with more responsive and personalized service and to collect certain information about your use of the site. You can change your cookie settings through your browser. If you continue without changing your settings, you agree to our use of cookies. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.”
2 Chronicles 26:16
The northern coast of Spain where I grew up as a missionary kid stretches from Galicia to the Basque Country, a region known for its colorful fishing villages, seaside cliffs and soaring cathedrals. But there’s more to this region that meets the eye and that is several renowned caves with some of the best-preserved cave art from ancient tribal groups.
On weekends, my friends and I would go caving in El Pindal, the Tito Bustillo cave and the Pena cave to name a few. Most of the beautiful parts of the caves where some of the paintings were discovered are deep within the caves so it took some courage and confidence to go in further. As a result, most people hung out at the entrance, too nervous to go inside and ultimately missing out on the best part.
Our tendency as human beings is to stay where it’s easy and familiar. Sadly, we do the same when it comes to our faith and understanding of God especially as new believers. Some of us keep God at arm’s length, never fully committing to Him, assuming there will be a later time in our lives to make up for it.
Others of us cling to our old habits and as a result, remain “lukewarm” in our faith not making an effort to grow spiritually. They believe they’re living the right way, with the right values and the right methods but they’re self-reliant rather than God-reliant. In either scenario, we miss out on experiencing the fullness and wonder of knowing our Creator and living on mission with Him.
The same was true in the prophet Isaiah’s day, as we see him consistently addressing the nation’s lukewarm attitude toward the true God. Even his own first cousin, King Uzziah, who initially sought after God’s wisdom, became arrogant and prideful which led to his downfall.
The contrast between God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness is a message that’s still relevant for our time. To experience the fullness of who God is, we must turn to Him, confess of our ungodly ways, and surrender-body, mind and spirit. Adventure awaits the man or woman who takes bold steps of faith in their lives today!
Every day here at Bold Steps we receive prayer requests like these from our listeners: Our son needs the walls to come down and blinders off his eyes and ears to open to God for a breakthrough in his relationship with God- needs to fully surrender his life to Jesus as Lord.
Please pray for me so that God would give me a new clean heart.
Please pray for our son who is dealing with sexual identity and addictions.
All of us at one time or another struggle with things in our lives. Helping you take difficult and courageous steps of obedience back to God is the reason why Bold Steps exists and the heart behind our motto: A Cycle to Break. A Bold Step to Take. A Legacy to Make. Let us pray for you! Email our team at boldsteps@moody.edu
Leave a comment or question on our recorded listener line: (312) 329-2011
Contact our team via email: BoldSteps@moody.edu