When Comfort Kills
Hezekiah’s Complacency and the Cost of Neglecting a Daily Relationship with God
A Real-Life Story of Complacency in Faith
I remember the call like it was yesterday. We were talking about prayers of confession. I was the youngest guy on the call by more than 20 years, listening to older brothers in Christ share their recent failures and struggles.
On one hand, I was deeply encouraged—humbled, even—to see the Spirit working in them. Despite their years of faith, they still wrestled with their humanity. On the other hand, it was a sobering reminder: faithfulness is not guaranteed because of age or time. It is sustained only by a daily pursuit of God.
What causes even the strongest believers to drift?
Hezekiah’s Early Faithfulness
King Hezekiah led a spiritual revival in Judah. He trusted God when the mighty Assyrian army threatened destruction (Isaiah 37). When he faced a terminal illness, he passionately and swiftly cried out to God—and God answered. Not only was Hezekiah miraculously healed, but he also received a divine public sign: God reversed the sun’s shadow as proof of His power. On top of that, God extended Hezekiah’s life by 15 years (Isaiah 38:5-8).
It was a breathtaking display of God’s faithfulness. But something changed.
The Shift: What Went Wrong?
The Babylonian Test (Isaiah 39)
Not long after his healing, envoys from Babylon arrived in Jerusalem, bearing gifts and praise. Instead of using the moment to glorify God—the One who had healed him—Hezekiah proudly showed them all his wealth and treasures. He failed to point them to the source of his blessings.
Isaiah’s Rebuke
When Isaiah learned about this, he confronted Hezekiah:
"What did they see in your palace?" (Isaiah 39:4)
Without hesitation, Hezekiah answered that he had shown them everything. His response lacked urgency, humility, or concern for how this might impact Judah’s future.
As a result, Isaiah delivered a devastating prophecy:
"The time will surely come when everything in your palace…will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left…And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (Isaiah 39:6-7)
His Shocking Response
Hezekiah’s reply is one of the most heartbreaking moments in scripture:
"The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my lifetime.’” (Isaiah 39:8, NIV)
Wow…
Instead of repenting or interceding for his descendants, Hezekiah shrugged. Unlike my older brothers in Christ, who confessed their sins and sought God’s help to live righteously, Hezekiah displayed no sense of urgency. He had once been a man of passionate prayer, but in his comfort, he became indifferent and lukewarm—hense my phrase, never finished.
The Danger of Complacency in Blessing
Prosperity can be a greater test than hardship. There are said to be over 2,000 verses that discuss the subject of attitudes and behaviors toward material resources.
When Hezekiah faced crisis, he ran to God. But when he had peace, he drifted into self-focus and, ultimately, death.
Instead of using his extra 15 years to prepare his son and nation for God, he squandered them. The result? His son, Manasseh, became one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history (2 Kings 21:1-9).
We often think suffering is the ultimate test of faith. But scripture repeatedly warns that success, comfort, and ease can be just as dangerous—because they can quietly erode our dependence on God.
Never Finished Challenge: The Daily Relationship Matters Most
Just like Hezekiah, believers can start strong but drift when comfort replaces dependency on God.
How do you guard against complacency?
Your faithfulness isn’t measured by one-time victories—it’s proven in daily surrender.
Are you coasting spiritually, relying on past obedience, or actively seeking God today?
Spend time in prayer and scripture daily—not just in crisis.
Ask yourself: Am I living for God today, or am I assuming I’ll always be faithful?
Be accountable to other believers who will encourage and challenge you.
Hebrews 3:12-13 reminds us:
"See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
Encouragement for Your Pocket
So I want to encourage you: the daily privilege of relationship with God will equip you in every season of your life. No matter your doubts, concerns, or struggles, He has everything you need to endure.
Don’t worry about your eulogy and legacy—focus on bringing heaven to earth through your daily pursuit of the King of Kings.
What Does Today Say About God?
God gave Hezekiah a way out, despite his failure to obey. He is not a “one and done” God.
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)
Even in our failures, He draws near. His love is unconditional. His mercies are new every morning.
Thank you, Jesus!
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