…When strength becomes pride and blessing becomes a trap
By John Abiola
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“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God.” — 2 Chronicles 26:16.
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8.
There are people whose beginning is impressive but whose ending is tragic. There are people whom God lifted from nothing, gave influence, opened doors, entrusted with people, resources and spiritual authority—and then, after they became strong, they forgot the God who made them strong.
King Uzziah was one of them.
His story is not merely ancient history. It is a divine warning to our generation. It is a warning to kings and presidents, governors and politicians, pastors and bishops, general overseers, apostles and prophets, priests and spiritual leaders, wealthy men and women, church workers and ordinary believers.
It is a warning to you and me.
The question is not simply, How did Uzziah begin?
The question is: How did Uzziah end? And what will be written about your end?
THE MAN GOD HELPED
Uzziah did not begin as a wicked king. The Bible tells us that he sought God, and while he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. He became powerful. He built cities. He strengthened the military. He possessed an organized army.
He became famous. His name spread far and wide. His achievements were real. His influence was real. His wealth was real. His strength was real.
But there was one thing he failed to understand: The blessing was never greater than the Blesser. God gave him strength, but strength did not belong to Uzziah.God gave him victory, but victory did not belong to Uzziah. God gave him influence, but influence did not belong to Uzziah. God gave him a throne, but the throne did not make him God. And then came the tragedy:
“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” His strength became the doorway to his destruction.
WHEN GOD’S BLESSING BECOMES A TEST
Beloved reader, stop here and examine your heart. What has God given you? Has He given you influence?
Has He given you money? Has He given you a church?
Has He given you a ministry? Has He given you spiritual gifts? Has He given you a position? Has He given you children? Has He given you education? Has He given you political authority? Has He given you business success?
Has He given you a platform?
Has He given you thousands or millions of followers?
What have you done with what God gave you?
Have you used it for His glory—or for yourself?
Have you become more humble because God lifted you, or more arrogant?
Have you become more prayerful, or more self-sufficient?
Have you become more compassionate, or more oppressive?
Have you become more obedient, or more rebellious?
Have you become more afraid of God, or more comfortable with sin?
This is where Uzziah’s story becomes frightening.
The same God who can lift a man can also bring down a proud heart.
THE DANGER OF REJECTING GOD’S WARNINGS
Uzziah entered the temple and attempted to burn incense upon the altar. God had established His order.
The priests were responsible for that sacred duty.
Azariah the priest and eighty courageous priests confronted the king.
They did not flatter him. They did not fear his position.
They did not say, “He is the king; let us leave him alone.”
They stood before him and said, in effect: You have crossed a boundary God did not give you permission to cross. This is one of the greatest lessons of the passage.
A person can become so powerful that he begins to believe nobody has the right to correct him. That is dangerous. When everybody around you is afraid to tell you the truth, you are already in danger. When you surround yourself only with people who praise you, you are in danger.
When you reject every warning because you believe your position makes you untouchable, you are in danger.
When pastors, prophets, friends, family members and even circumstances repeatedly warn you to repent, but you harden your heart, you are in danger.
Do not confuse God’s patience with God’s approval.
The fact that judgment has not yet come does not mean that God has endorsed your ways. Sometimes mercy delays judgment because God is still calling a person to repentance
TO THE LEADER WHO HAS BECOME TOO POWERFUL TO REPENT
.I speak now directly to you. You may be a preacher. You may be a bishop. You may be an apostle. You may be a prophet.
You may be a pastor. You may be a priest. You may be a church founder. You may be a politician. You may be a traditional ruler. You may be a businessman. You may command thousands.
Your name may be known internationally. Your church may be large. Your ministry may have branches across nations.
You may possess wealth, vehicles, houses, private institutions and enormous influence.
But hear this: None of these things can save a rebellious soul from God. Your title cannot save you. Your pulpit cannot save you.Your offering cannot bribe God.Your tithes cannot purchase immunity from judgment. Your charitable activities cannot cancel deliberate wickedness.
Performing miracles in the name of Jesus cannot replace obedience. Your popularity cannot silence heaven. Your influence cannot overthrow God’s righteousness.
Your wealth cannot buy back your soul. Your followers cannot stand before God in your place. And your spiritual position does not give you permission to continue in secret sin. God is not impressed by what impresses men.
He searches the heart.
TO THE FOLLOWER WHO THINKS THE WARNING IS FOR SOMEBODY ELSE
Do not read this article and immediately think of another person. Do not say:
This is for that bishop.”
“This is for that politician.”
“This is for that pastor.”
“This is for that corrupt businessman.”
“This is for that wicked person.”
Before you point your finger at somebody else, let the Word of God point its finger at you. Ask yourself: What secret sin am I protecting? What habit have I refused to surrender?
Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? Whom have I refused to forgive? What lies have I told? What money have I taken dishonestly?
What corruption have I participated in? What sexual immorality have I hidden? What bitterness have I nurtured?
What injustice have I ignored? What evil have I supported because it benefited me?
Where have I compromised my Christian faith for money, position, political connection or personal advantage?
What have I done secretly that I would never want exposed publicly?
And remember: What is hidden from men is not hidden from God.
THE CHURCH MUST EXAMINE HERSELF
Nigeria does not need only more conferences.
Nigeria does not need only more prophetic declarations.
Nigeria does not need only more political speeches.
Nigeria does not need only more prayers against enemies.
We must also confront the sins that have opened doors to destruction.
If we cry for security but refuse righteousness, what are we asking God to heal?
If we pray against bloodshed while participating in hatred, injustice and corruption, what have we understood about repentance?
If we pray against terrorism while people secretly finance, protect, encourage or excuse wickedness, how can we expect lasting transformation?
If we condemn corruption in government while practicing corruption in our businesses, churches and private lives, are we not deceiving ourselves?
If we condemn politicians for stealing while Christians participate in dishonest dealings, bribery, fraud and exploitation, have we truly repented?
If we condemn sexual immorality in society while tolerating it among church members and leaders because of their positions, have we not compromised God’s standard?
If we pray for revival while refusing to forgive, obey, reconcile, make restitution and turn from sin, what kind of revival are we asking for?
GOD IS NOT ONLY LOOKING AT THE OPEN SIN
There are sins everybody can see. But there are also sins hidden behind beautiful clothes, respectable titles, church uniforms, pulpits, microphones and religious activities.
There is secret pride.
Secret greed.
Secret lust.
Secret hatred.
Secret manipulation.
Secret oppression.
Secret dishonesty.
Secret unforgiveness.
Secret covetousness.
Secret corruption.
Secret abuse of authority.
Secret exploitation.
Secret compromise.
Secret rebellion.
Secret idolatry.
Secret dependence upon money and influence rather than God.
And there is another dangerous sin: The sin of knowing that something is wrong and deliberately refusing to repent.
That was part of Uzziah’s tragedy. He was confronted.
He became angry. Instead of humbling himself, he became enraged against the people correcting him.
Some people do the same today. When confronted with truth, they attack the messenger. When warned, they become offended. When corrected, they become defensive.
When called to repentance, they accuse the person warning them.
But remember: Rejecting the messenger does not cancel the message.
WHEN LEADERS LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY
A leader’s sin rarely affects only the leader. When a father falls, a family can suffer. When a pastor falls, a congregation can suffer. When a political leader becomes corrupt, a nation can suffer. When spiritual leaders compromise, thousands may learn to compromise. When leaders normalize sin, followers begin to call sin normal. This is why leadership is a terrifying responsibility.
Jesus said:
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” — Luke 12:48 The higher the platform, the greater the responsibility. The greater the influence, the greater the accountability. The more people God entrusts to you, the more seriously you must guard your heart.
THE MOMENT THE LEPROSY APPEARED
Uzziah became angry. Then suddenly, leprosy rose in his forehead. The very forehead that had become hardened in pride became the place where his judgment became visible.
He could no longer hide it.
The king who had entered the temple proudly had to leave in shame. The man who had once been powerful became separated. The man who had once commanded others became isolated. The man whose name had spread throughout the land ended his days marked by his transgression. What a tragedy. His beginning was glorious, but his ending became a warning.
That is why Ecclesiastes says: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” Do not only ask God to give you a good beginning. Ask Him for a faithful ending.
Do not only ask God to increase your ministry. Ask Him to preserve your character. Do not only ask God to enlarge your territory. Ask Him to keep your heart humble.
Do not only ask God for influence. Ask Him for integrity.
Do not only ask God for prosperity. Ask Him for obedience.
THIS IS THE HOUR TO REPENT
If you are reading this and the Holy Spirit is convicting you, do not postpone repentance. Do not wait for another article.
Do not wait for another prophetic warning. Do not wait until judgment becomes visible. Do not wait until your family collapses.
Do not wait until your ministry is disgraced. Do not wait until your money disappears. Do not wait until your position is taken away. Do not wait until you are forced to cry.
Cry now. Kneel now. Repent now. Confess now. Make restitution where necessary. Forgive now. Break with sin now.
Turn back to God now.
There is mercy for the truly repentant. Repent from witchcraft. Repent from wickedness. Repent from secret societies. Repent from marine-spirit practices and occultism. Repent from cultism. Repent from being agents or members of occult and secret societies. Repent from consulting traditionalists, juju men, and false prophets for solutions. Return to the LORD.
Turn away from every evil work and return to God. As the Scripture says, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.’ — Acts 3:19.”
REPENT FROM THE SINS WE HAVE NORMALIZED
Repent from arguing and quarrelling. Repent from envy and jealousy. Repent from uncontrolled anger and rage. Repent from fighting and division. Repent from backbiting and gossip. Repent from secretly spreading rumours. Repent from pride and arrogance. Repent from causing confusion and disorder. Repent from moral impurity. Repent from fornication and sexual immorality. Repent from lust and shameless sexual behaviour.
BEFORE ONE DAY, ONE FAST, ONE PRAYER.
This is why the call to: ONE DAY, ONE FAST, ONE PRAYER
must never become merely another religious programme.
Before we ask God to end insecurity, we must ask Him to search us. Before we ask God to stop bloodshed, we must ask Him to cleanse our hands. Before we ask God to defeat terrorism, we must ask Him to expose every wickedness within us. Before we ask God to heal Nigeria, we must ask Him to heal the Church.
Before we ask God to change our nation, we must allow Him to change us. The first battlefield is not Abuja. It is not Lagos.
It is not the North. It is not the South. IIt is not the government house.
The first battlefield is the human heart. David understood this when he prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23
That must become our prayer.
Nigerians must return to God
Nigeria cannot be transformed merely by changing political leaders. We need a transformation of hearts. We need repentance in the Church. Repentance in government.
Repentance in business. Repentance in families. Repentance among young people. Repentance among old people. Repentance among the rich. Repentance among the poor.
Repentance among leaders.
Repentance among followers.
Repentance among pastors.
Repentance among members.
Everybody must stand before God.
Let nobody hide behind another person’s sin.
Let nobody say, “Everybody is doing it.”
God has never made majority opinion the standard of righteousness.
WHAT IF GOD IS WARNING YOU NOW?
Perhaps you have received warnings before. Perhaps somebody has confronted you. Perhaps Scripture has repeatedly convicted you. Perhaps messages have been coming to you again and again. Perhaps your conscience has been speaking. Perhaps circumstances have warned you.
Perhaps God has been mercifully giving you opportunities to turn around.
And yet you have continued. You have hardened your heart.
You have rejected correction. You have continued in the same sin.You have convinced yourself that because judgment has not come, everything is fine.Do not make that mistake.
Uzziah’s story tells us that there can be a moment when a person crosses a line that should never have been crossed.
So if God is dealing with you today:
Do not argue with Him. Repent.
LET THE CHURCH FALL ON HER KNEES
Before we ask God for revival, let us repent.
Before we ask for national healing, let us repent.
Before we ask for revival fire, let us repent. Before we ask God for blessings, let us repent.
Before we ask God to save Nigeria, let us repent.
Before we ask God to destroy the works of darkness, let us ask Him to destroy the works of darkness within us.
Let the priest say:”Lord, search me.” Let the pastor say:
“Lord, search me.”Let the bishop say: “Lord, search me.”
L
et the politician say: “Lord, search me.”Let the businessman say:”Lord, search me.” Let the father say: “Lord, search me.”
Let the mother say: “Lord, search me.”
Let the young person say:“Lord, search me.”Let every believer say: “Lord, search me.” Not merely: “Lord, change them.”
But: “Lord, change me.”
THE QUESTION WE MUST ANSWER
Uzziah’s story leaves every generation with a question:
Will you humble yourself before God humbles you?
Will you repent before judgment? Will you surrender before you lose everything? Will you listen before the consequences become irreversible?
Will you return before the door closes? Will you allow God to expose your heart now—or will you wait until He exposes it publicly? The choice is yours.But the warning is clear.
The God who lifted Uzziah is the same God who judged his pride.
Therefore, let everyone who has been lifted by God remain humble. Let everyone who has been blessed remain grateful.
Let everyone who has influence remain accountable.
Let everyone who has been warned repent.
Let everyone who has sinned return.
And let the Church return completely to her Lord.
A CRY FOR MERCY O Lord, search us.Expose everything in us that is displeasing to You. Expose our secret sins.Expose our hidden wickedness.Expose our pride.Expose our greed.Expose our corruption. Expose our unforgiveness. Expose our hypocrisy.Expose our compromise.
Expose every injustice. Expose every evil we have concealed.
Give us no hiding place from Your truth.
But when You expose us, give us grace to repent. Break the pride of our hearts. Restore our fear of God.Cleanse Your Church.Purify Your ministers.Turn our hearts back to You.
Deliver Nigeria from corruption, killings, injustice, insecurity, terrorism, bloodshed and wickedness. But begin with us.
Let repentance begin in the Church.Let righteousness return to our land.Let those who have participated in evil turn away.
Let those who have been wounded forgive. Let those who have stolen restore. Let those who have lied confess.
Let those who have oppressed repent. Let those who have compromised return. Let those who have wandered come home.Have mercy upon Nigeria.
Have mercy upon Your Church. Have mercy upon us.
And let the cry rise from every heart: “O God, revive us again!”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
Amen.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE READING, STOP.
Do not immediately forward this message.Do not immediately think about who needs to read it. Do not immediately criticize another leader. Close your eyes.
Go before God. Ask Him one question: “Lord, is there anything in me that I must repent of?” And when He answers, do not defend yourself. Repent.
Because the greatest tragedy is not that God exposes our sins. The greatest tragedy is that God exposes them, warns us, calls us to repentance—and we still refuse to turn.
ONE DAY. ONE FAST. ONE PRAYER.
But let the fast begin with repentance.
Let the prayer begin with brokenness.
Let the intercession begin with confession.
Let the national cry begin with personal repentance.
CAN INSECURITY, BLOODSHED AND TERRORISM END IN NIGERIA?
Yes, we can cry to God for an end to them.
But the Church must not merely ask God to remove the consequences of sin while refusing to confront sin itself.
Let us return to the Lord.
Let us seek His face.
Let us repent.
Let us pray.
Let us believe God for mercy and transformation.
Nigeria needs more than a change of government.
Nigeria needs a return to God.
Before you close this message, I urge you to read the preceding article:
WHEN GOD SENDS A WARNING: WILL NIGERIA HEAR BEFORE JUDGMENT?
Lessons from Jeremiah 36 for the Church and Nigeria.
Please press the link below and read it prayerfully—not merely as an article, but as a personal word of warning and a call to repentance.
To gain a deeper understanding of the forthcoming National Day of Repentance —
WHEN GOD SENDS A WARNING:WILL NIGERIA HEAR BEFORE JUDGEMENT?
please click this link:https://churchtimesnigeria.net/the-wrath-of-god-and-the-fall-of-the-mighty/
Revive Us Again Series 149.
REVIVE US AGAIN — A GLOBAL PRAYER MOVEMENT FOR WORLDWIDE REVIVAL
Revive Us Again is a call for the Church to return to God, recover the altar of prayer, repent of sin, receive spiritual awakening, and become a praying and witnessing people through whom revival can reach the nations.
By Prophet John Abiola
Intercessor | Revival Voice
Nigeria Global Intercessors (NGI)
globalintercessors7@gmail.com
