In what ways can we discern God's will to avoid Josiah's mistake? Setting the Scene “After all this that Josiah had prepared for the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to confront him.” (2 Chronicles 35:20) Josiah’s Costly Misstep • Neco warned, “God has ordered me to hurry… Stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.” (v. 21) • “Josiah, however, did not turn away… but disguised himself to fight… and was shot by archers.” (v. 22-23) Josiah assumed every battle against a pagan king must be God’s battle—an error that cost him his life. Principles for Discerning God’s Will • Stay Anchored in Scripture – God’s voice never contradicts His written Word. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Evaluate every impulse, opportunity, or counsel against the clear teaching of Scripture. • Pray for Insight Before Acting – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given.” – Josiah consulted no prophet or priest before engaging Neco. A simple pause for prayer could have redirected him. • Seek Godly Counsel – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Throughout his reign, Josiah listened to Huldah the prophetess (2 Chronicles 34:22-28). Ignoring that pattern here proved fatal. • Test the Source—Even When the Messenger Seems Unlikely – 2 Chronicles 35:22 says Neco’s words “were from God.” – God sometimes speaks through unexpected voices (Numbers 22:28-30; John 11:49-52). Rejecting a message solely because of the messenger can blind us to divine warning. • Recognize the Spirit’s Restraint – Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” – A check or lack of peace often signals “stop.” Josiah pressed ahead, ignoring any inward restraint. • Refuse to Assume God’s Past Directions Guarantee Present Approval – Earlier reforms had God’s full backing (2 Chronicles 34). Yet new circumstances required fresh guidance. – Romans 12:2 urges continual renewal of mind “to discern the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Walk in Humility, Ready to Change Course – Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust and acknowledge Him; “He will make your paths straight.” – Humility keeps the heart flexible; pride locks us into disastrous paths. Putting It Into Practice 1. Begin every decision-making process with Scripture open and heart surrendered. 2. Pray specifically for wisdom and a teachable spirit. 3. Invite mature believers to speak candidly into your plans. 4. Weigh unexpected warnings; ask, “Could this be the Lord redirecting me?” 5. Monitor inner peace; don’t plow ahead when the Spirit withdraws it. 6. Regularly review past victories lest they lull you into self-reliance. 7. Keep confessing, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” and be willing to pivot instantly. Outcome When We Discern Well • Safety—Proverbs 19:23. • Fruitfulness—John 15:5. • Joy in obedience—Psalm 40:8. Josiah’s story reminds us: accurate discernment is not optional; it is life-preserving. |
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