Read:
Josiah became king when he was eight years old. Eighteen years into his reign, workers repairing the Temple found something that had been lost: the Book of the Law. God’s word had been sitting in his own house, unopened!
When it was read to Josiah, verse 11 says he tore his clothes in despair. He couldn't believe how far his people had drifted from God’s ideal. But instead of giving up or ignoring what he now knew, Josiah let what he heard change him and his leadership—and he led the nation back to God.
Sometimes following God can get uncomfortable—especially if you learn the way you’re living or the way you’re following God isn’t actually in line with what he’s calling you to do. In those situations you have two options: you can ignore it, or you can lean in.
Josiah didn’t avoid God’s correction. He allowed it to shape him, and Israel was better for it. If God is correcting you, you don’t need to get caught up in shame. You don’t need to avoid it. God may be using this opportunity to grow something greater in your life.
Pray: God, show me where I've been avoiding correction, and give me the courage to lean into it. I want to hear from you, even when it’s hard, and I want my life to look more and more like the one you want for me. Amen.