Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the wall of Gath, the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod. Then he built cities in the vicinity of Ashdod and among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines, the Arabs that live in Gur-baal, and the Meunites. The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt, for God made him very powerful. ~2 Chronicles 26:6–8
Many years ago, American Express ran an advertising campaign featuring Karl Mauldin, an actor who had made a name for himself as a television detective. Mauldin had one of those no-nonsense, knurly faces his mother surely loved but one that made television bad guys tremble. American Express wisely used this plainclothes lawman to tell us that their traveler’s checks were better than cash if you were out of town. After a dramatic recreation of some hapless couple who had lost their money while on vacation in Rome, Mauldin stepped in front of the camera and told us to use American Express traveler’s checks because they could be “instantly” replaced if lost or stolen. Then, speaking about the traveler’s checks, he spoke those memorable words, “Don’t leave home without them.”
In the fall of 1989, I was desperately trying to sell my business. Undercapitalization can be more powerful than strong, black coffee at robbing entrepreneurs of a good night’s sleep. I was this entrepreneur. But I had a buyer—a local businessman who asked to see my numbers and who had arranged a special meeting with his top lieutenants to discuss the matter. On this particular morning, my business partner and I were invited to meet with this man and his advisers.
“This could be it,” I said that morning to my late wife, Bobbie, over a bowl of granola and raisins. “I think we have found someone to invest the cash we need.” As she had so many times before, Bobbie carefully listened.
As I was getting into my car for the twenty-minute trip to the meeting that day, Bobbie made a comment that penetrated my overly optimistic—and often naive—demeanor. “Don’t forget that this wealthy businessman is not your source,” she warned. “If this deal doesn’t have God’s blessing, it’ll be a waste of time.”
I was stunned, even disappointed, at her directness. Her caution.
But as I made my way through city traffic to the appointed meeting, I knew she was right. My wife had spoken with God’s voice, and I knew it was a message for me.
Uzziah was only sixteen years old. And while other teenagers are getting their driver’s licenses and worrying about getting a date to the homecoming dance, this young man was taking over the throne of Judah. In a short time, he set out, moving from one corner of his kingdom to another. Fortunately for him, he took the God of his fathers with him. He didn’t leave home without the Lord’s protection.
Unfortunately, as was the case with so many of these kings, he soon forgot God (see v. 16) and bowed to the great god of presumption and self-sufficiency. He forgot that his protection from barbaric enemies wasn’t his own doing. Tragically, his “pride led to his downfall.”
As a dad, as a man, your days are filled with a multitude of opportunities to leave home with or without seeking God’s sovereign protection. Today might be one of those days. Humbly ask God for His wisdom. Seek His blessing. Take Him with you. And if it feels like you’re pushing for something out of fear, desperation, or just plain blind enthu- siasm, slow down. Remember what my wise wife said to me that cool spring morning:
If this thing doesn’t have God’s blessing, it’ll be a waste of your time.