Heart Test

2 Chronicles 32:31 (AMP)

³¹And so in the matter of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to himself to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

 

// THOUGHTS:

Sometimes, with all of God’s blessings in us, our hearts would enlarge to the point of pride – taking pride of God’s blessings with the wrong positioning of the heart of all of God’s favor in us.  The same way with Hezekiah.  We know that he was tremendously prosperous and that even at the time of his sickness (almost to death), God has healed him and gave him a sign:

“His sickness and his recovery from it, v. 24. The account of his sickness is but briefly mentioned here; we had a large narrative of it, 2 Ki. 20. His disease seemed likely to be mortal. In the extremity of it he prayed. God answered him, and gave him a sign that he should recover, the going back of the sun ten degrees."  (Matthew Henry Commentary)

With that, he grew pride for what he did (his faithfulness per se.  aka, self-righteousness?).  Yet, we know that he repented as well, praise God (v. 26).  But even with that, God was still up to checking his heart when the ambassadors of Babylon came to ask him for “what secret was there of his prosperity”.  God left him – in my own observation, could’ve meant, God didn’t help him on what to say as to the reason where all the prosperity is from.  It was all Hezekiah’s own words from his heart that would give an answer to the envoys of Babylon.  With that, it would test if what he would say to the envoys would bring glory back to God or take credit for what he did (his faithfulness). 

_Principles:

• God blesses those who faithful.  But God also, even in our faithfulness, does not want us to take credit for it. 
• He wants us to understand that regardless of our faithfulness, it was His grace that made things happen.
• BOTH – our faithfulness being blessed by God AND the grace of God working together.
• TRUTH – the grace of God is enough (positionally).  But God doesn’t want us to be lazy and just depend on that without doing our part as well. 
• God’s grace works through our faithfulness to Him. 
• God tests our heart.

// BELLE:

It is God’s grace that gives me empowerment to remain faithful to Him.

When at times God tests my heart (Him “leaving” me to my own to see what I’d say or do), does it show my full dependence on Him and giving back the credit ALL to Him?

What must I do when pride starts to creep in in my faithfulness to God?  (Practically speaking)

• I must, at all times, put God in the picture IMMEDIATELY when I start to feel good in my own faithfulness or accomplishments.
• Give ALL THE CREDIT to God alone! 
• God will test my heart – and in order for me to have the “right humble answer” my heart has to have the right attitude. 
• Constantly fill my heart with humility – putting God and others first. 

// LORD, You know how much I’m going to need your grace and empowerment to do this.  I pray that You will help me.  At times that You will test me, please help me still.  Keep my mind and my heart focused on You AT ALL TIMES.  Let it not derail from your perspective.  Guide me Lord and help me to always rely on You.  Thank you for Your goodness and sharing your favor on me.  I pray that You will help me be a good steward of your blessings.  Keep my heart on the right path.  In Jesus’ name amen.