I've realized something about following Jesus.
It's one thing to know God is asking you to change. It's another thing to actually let go of what He's asking you to leave behind.
That's what I kept thinking about as I read 2 Kings 23.
After hearing the Book of the Law in chapter 22, Josiah doesn't just agree with it. He doesn't underline a few verses and move on with his day. He doesn't just say, That was a good word.
He starts cleaning house.
He tears down idols.
He removes altars.
He gets rid of the things that had slowly pulled God's people away from Him. And thats what Scripture should do in us too.
As I was reading, I couldn't help but think about how easy it is to ask God to transform us while we're still holding on to the things He wants us to remove.
Sometimes they aren't obvious sins. Sometimes it's bitterness we've gotten comfortable carrying, or pride, or fear. Sometimes it's habits, distractions, relationships, or voices we've allowed to have more influence than they should. We ask God to change our hearts but we don't get rid of the things that keep pulling our hearts away from Him.
I've learned that God is incredibly patient.
He doesn't usually show us everything all at once. Instead, He lovingly puts His finger on one thing and says, Let's deal with this. Not because He's trying to take something from us but because He's trying to make room for more of Him.
That's what I love about Josiah. When God's Word showed him something that didn't belong, he didn't defend it. He didn't make excuses for it. He removed it.
So what has God been gently putting His finger on that we've been hesitating to let go of? Because the things God asks us to surrender are never as valuable as what He wants to replace them with.
Love Pastor Mandy
MandiesDandies / Ark of Hope
Daily Reading 2 Kings 23
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