How can we discern God's voice in unexpected situations like Josiah's encounter? Setting the Scene: Josiah’s Sudden Crossroads “Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; but he disguised himself in order to fight him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo…” (2 Chronicles 35:22) Josiah had faithfully restored true worship, yet on this single day he missed God’s voice because the message came through a surprising channel—an Egyptian ruler. His death reminds us that the cost of mis-hearing the Lord can be high. Why We Sometimes Miss God’s Voice • The messenger doesn’t fit our expectations (Neco, a pagan king). • We’ve already decided our course (Josiah had mustered his army). • Spiritual success blinds us to fresh correction (decades of reform bred confidence). • Pressure of the moment drowns out quiet conviction. Clear Markers of the Lord’s Voice—Even in the Unexpected 1. Consistency with Scripture • God never contradicts His written word (Isaiah 8:20). • Neco’s warning—“God has ordered me to hurry” (v. 21)—aligned with earlier prophetic words about Babylon’s rise (Jeremiah 25:8-11). 2. Inner Witness of the Spirit • “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). • When the Spirit speaks, He produces peace coupled with urgency, not agitation and self-driven haste (Colossians 3:15). 3. Confirmation through God-fearing counsel • “Where there is no guidance, the people fall” (Proverbs 11:14). • Had Josiah paused to consult trusted prophets like Jeremiah, clarity would have come (Jeremiah 22:11 names Josiah’s sons, showing Jeremiah’s proximity to the court). 4. Providential Circumstances • Doors open or close in ways only the Lord can orchestrate (Revelation 3:7). • Egypt had no quarrel with Judah; God’s providence signaled “stand aside,” yet Josiah forced a conflict that wasn’t his. Practical Steps for Discernment Today • Slow down—haste silences discernment (Proverbs 19:2). • Lay every plan on the altar: “In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Weigh unexpected words with three tests: 1) Scriptural alignment 2) Spirit’s confirmation 3) Godly counsel • Stay teachable; the Lord can speak through unlikely voices—Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22:28), an enemy king (2 Chronicles 35:22), or a persecutor turned apostle (Acts 9:4-6). • Cultivate daily familiarity with His voice before crises come—regular Word intake tunes the ear (Psalm 119:105). Living It Out Josiah’s story is a solemn reminder: prior obedience does not guarantee present accuracy. The Father still speaks, sometimes from directions we least expect, but His voice remains recognizable to hearts surrendered, alert, and anchored in Scripture. |
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