II Chronicles 28-29

“In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz” (28:22).  Some kings, seeing the destructive results of idolatry, repented and turned back to the God of Abraham.  King Ahaz, however, dug himself in deeper.  When his sins caused Judah to be attacked by the Assyrians, instead of calling on God, Ahaz sacrificed to the “gods of Damascus who had defeated him” (28:23).  Instead of recognizing that his defeat was the product of mistaken loyalties, King Ahaz “shut the doors of the house of the Lord” (28:24). 

“For the Lord humbled Judah” (28:19). Our lowest moments don’t have to destroy us.  God humbles us so that we will reach out for His mercy.