Sometimes I just can’t spell. Not tough words, but simple ones. Then when I finally spell the word, I look at it and wonder if it’s even a word. Scary.

One of my spelling blackouts occurred a few years ago as I heard a pastor preach about the “furnace of affliction.” While taking notes, I struggled with the word “furnace.” All I could come up with was “fur nest.”  The “fur nest” of affliction. I stared at those words, knowing they weren’t right. I snickered and thought, “There’s certainly no affliction in a fur nest. In a place of ease and prosperity, my troubles would be over.”                       

Thomas Carlyle would have disagreed with me, for he is quoted as saying, “Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man, but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.”

Abraham Lincoln would have also countered my thoughts with his own. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Not even the Indian chief in the Tarzan movie that I watched would have been on my side. Before walking off into the jungle he said, “Pride is the evil shadow of greatness.”

I was reminded of those things as

I read about Uzziah, who became

a king when he was only 16 years old. He began his 52-year reign by doing what was right in the eyes of God. King Uzziah waged wars against the enemy, rebuilt towns, built and fortified towers, enjoyed prosperity, outfitted an army and was famous. “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26:6)

Then something changed in

King Uzziah. I guess it’s hard to walk with a full cup. “But after Uzziah became powerful, his

pride led to his downfall.” (2 Chronicles 26:16) Uzziah then became unfaithful to the Lord and, in his pride, attempted to perform priestly duties for which he was not anointed. His reign of increasing prosperity and success abruptly ended in leprosy and eventually death.

I walked away from my study of Uzziah, not shaking my finger

at him, but grateful for the warning that his life provides. I know that God wants to bless and prosper every area of our lives. As we enter that land of blessings and success, may we remain thankful, humble and ever seeking His face.

I know that I am nothing without God. I mean, sometimes I can’t even spell.

Ronny may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.