TUESDAY: Cracking the Door to the Enemy

Reading: 2 Chronicles 32:25–31; James 4:6–7

2 Chronicles 32:25–31 (ESV)

25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.26 But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.27 And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels;28 storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds.29 He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions.30 This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.

James 4:6–7 (ESV)

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Devotional:

Scripture tells us that "God left Hezekiah to himself" to test what was in his heart. When pride filled Hezekiah's heart, God withdrew His intimate presence. This is a sobering reality: pride repels the Spirit of God.

Every sin we entertain cracks open the door to the enemy. Satan doesn't have authority over God, but when we choose pride, lust, bitterness, or any sin, we give him access to wreak havoc in our lives. The good news is that James promises God gives grace to the humble. When we resist the devil in humility, he must flee.

Our spiritual protection isn't found in our strength but in our surrender. Humility keeps the door closed to the enemy and wide open to God's presence and power.

Reflection:

Think of your heart like a house with many doors. Some doors are wide open to God, but others might be slightly ajar to sin—resentment, hidden habits, secret pride. Bring those “cracked doors” honestly before God. Confession is not humiliation; it is liberation. As you submit those areas to Him today, believe that His grace is greater than your failure and His presence stronger than any attack.

Song of the Day:

My Own Worst Enemy