THE 16th OF MARCH
THE COST OF DISOBEDIENCE
“But he sent messengers to him, saying, ‘What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.’ Nevertheless, Josiah would not turn his face from him but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.” – 2 Chronicles 35:21-22
To keep the Lord by our side, we must walk in obedience. When we are faithful to Him, seeking His guidance and acknowledging our dependence on Him, our lives are filled with greater peace and joy.
If God’s sovereignty means He controls all things, then King Josiah would not have met an untimely death at just 39 years old after being wounded in battle (2 Kings 22:20). However, God does not force His will upon us.
In 2 Chronicles 35:21, Pharaoh Neco of Egypt warned Josiah not to fight against him, explaining that he was acting under God’s command. Yet Josiah failed to seek God’s will and stubbornly pressed forward.
Pride and stubbornness come at a high cost, and the enemy often uses them to lead us toward destruction.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, please forgive me for the times I have allowed pride and stubbornness to drown out Your voice. Help me to have a heart that is soft in Your hands, attentive to Your guidance, and willing to follow Your will in all circumstances. When You bless me, remind me that it is because of Your love and mercy. I surrender my will to Yours—please lead me in all my decisions. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ Name. Amen
