What steps can we take to avoid ignoring God's warnings in our lives? Setting the scene—Josiah’s costly misstep 2 Chronicles 35 recounts godly King Josiah marching out to intercept Pharaoh Neco. Yet Pharaoh’s message carried an unexpected divine warning: “God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” (2 Chronicles 35:21). Josiah brushed it aside, went into battle, and was mortally wounded. One wrong choice canceled years of faithful leadership. His story invites us to ask how we can avoid tuning out the Lord’s cautions in our own lives. Why we still miss God’s red flags - Pride that whispers, “I know better.” - Pre-set plans that drown out new direction. - Misjudging the messenger because we dislike their source. - Hurry that leaves no space to discern. Proverbs 1:24-25 warns, “Because you refused my call… you wanted none of my correction”. Ignoring God is never neutral; it opens the door to loss. Below are practical, Scripture-anchored steps for staying responsive. Step 1: Stay alert to unexpected messengers - God can speak through allies or opponents, bosses or children. - Neco was a pagan king, yet his words carried Heaven’s seal. - Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22) and Caiaphas’s prophecy (John 11:49-51) remind us that the Lord sometimes chooses surprising channels. Action: Instead of dismissing a message because of the speaker, quietly ask, “Is there truth here You want me to hear?” Step 2: Measure every word against Scripture “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, correcting, training” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is the plumb line that reveals whether a warning is truly from God. Simple practice: 1. Compare the content with clear biblical teaching. 2. Look for the fruit of righteousness, peace, and repentance (James 3:17-18). 3. Refuse anything that contradicts the written Word, no matter how dramatic the impression. Step 3: Keep a soft, teachable heart “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). A tender spirit listens quickly and obeys promptly. Ways to cultivate tenderness: - Daily confession of known sin. - Regular thanksgiving that reminds us we live by mercy, not merit. - Remembering past discipline so we do not repeat it (Deuteronomy 8:2). Step 4: Invite trusted counsel early “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors, there is deliverance” (Proverbs 11:14). - Seek input from believers who love both you and the truth. - Share the situation before decisions are locked in. - Weigh counsel collectively; do not cherry-pick the opinion that fits a preconceived plan. Josiah consulted no one; a single conversation with Jeremiah or a prophet could have saved his life. Step 5: Practice daily listening habits - Set aside time in the Word—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). - Journal impressions, Scriptures, and confirmations. - Obey promptly in small matters; obedience muscles grow with use. - Imitate the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were so” (Acts 17:11). - Live James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”. Choosing wisdom over regret Josiah’s death underscores a sobering truth: sincere devotion does not exempt us from the consequences of disregarding divine warnings. By staying alert to unexpected messengers, filtering everything through Scripture, maintaining a teachable spirit, seeking godly counsel, and building daily listening habits, we position ourselves to hear and heed the Lord. The result is protection, fruitful service, and a life that honors the One who speaks for our good. |
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