What steps can we take to correct our course if we displease God? A Wake-Up Call from 2 Chronicles 19:2 “Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD.’” (2 Chronicles 19:2) Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab displeased the Lord. Yet the same passage shows the way back. The steps that restored this king can restore us whenever we drift. --- Step 1 – Hear and Heed God’s Warning • God speaks through Scripture, faithful friends, sermons, and the Spirit’s inner conviction. • “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or loathe His reproof” (Proverbs 3:11). • Welcome correction; resisting it only prolongs God’s discipline. --- Step 2 – Own the Wrong • Confession means agreeing with God about our sin: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). • Avoid blame-shifting or excuses. Jehoshaphat did not defend his alliance; he accepted the prophet’s charge. --- Step 3 – Repent with Godly Sorrow • “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10). • True repentance is a heart-level turn, not merely an apology. • Practical tip: list the specific actions or attitudes that must change and surrender them in prayer. --- Step 4 – Break Unholy Alliances • Jehoshaphat severed ties with Ahab’s family (see 2 Chronicles 19:3; 20:35–37 for his later caution). • Evaluate partnerships, entertainment, and influences that pull you away from wholehearted obedience. • “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). --- Step 5 – Recommit to Obedience • Jehoshaphat “set his heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 19:3). • Daily habits that realign the heart: – Consistent Bible intake (Psalm 119:9–11) – Intentional prayer (James 4:8) – Lord’s-day worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) --- Step 6 – Strengthen Others Toward Righteousness • The king appointed judges and instructed Levites to teach God’s Law (2 Chronicles 19:4–11). • Course correction isn’t complete until we influence our sphere for holiness. • Look for ways to encourage friends, family, and church toward faithfulness. --- Step 7 – Rest in Renewed Fellowship • Restoration brings peace: “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12). • Expect the joy of restored intimacy with God, guidance for future decisions, and the witness of a cleansed conscience. --- Lasting Takeaway When we displease God, He graciously confronts us, just as He confronted Jehoshaphat. Our part is to listen, confess, repent, disentangle from sin, and walk forward in fresh obedience—confident that His mercy is already waiting on the other side of our course correction. |
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