Today's devotional is about King Zedekiah's defiance against the Babylonians. Despite Jeremiah's warnings, Zedekiah resisted and rebelled. God's message through Jeremiah was clear: fighting Babylon was futile. Zedekiah witnessed the Chaldeans destroying Judah due to his disobedience.

Scripture
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Zechariah 7:11

Do you ever find yourself fighting against circumstances you can't control?

King Zedekiah's story is a poignant example of stubborn resistance leading to destruction. After being appointed as king by Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah was determined to fight against the Babylonians, despite knowing the odds. He even sought Jeremiah’s prayers for deliverance. However, the message from God through Jeremiah was not what Zedekiah wanted to hear.

Jeremiah warned that resisting Babylon was futile and like grasping at air. How often do we ignore wise counsel because it doesn’t align with our desires? Despite the clear warning, Zedekiah chose to persist in his rebellion. His stubbornness not only led to his personal downfall but also brought immense suffering upon Judah. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting necessary change?

Jeremiah’s faithfulness to deliver God’s message, despite being beaten and imprisoned, is a testament to his courage and obedience. How do we respond when delivering or receiving difficult truths brings us discomfort or opposition? This story teaches us the importance of heeding God's guidance, even when it's hard to accept.

REFLECTION
Take time to identify areas in your life where you might be resisting God’s guidance. Are you stubbornly holding onto plans or desires that are not in line with His will?

Reflect on Zedekiah’s story and the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom. Pray for the humility to listen and the courage to follow God's direction, even when it goes against your own plans.

PRAYER
“Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the Lord? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”
JEREMIAH 37:17

When Life deals me hard blows and I'm left on my knees grasping at air, like Jeremiah I will remember Your empowering words of wisdom found in the Bible. In the face of adversity I will not relent so that I can appease the itching ears of those wanting me to cower underneath the weight of their criticism. When these moments arise I will hold my head up and look up to the Heavens where my help comes from. I will not place my hope in man.. instead I will put my trust in the creator of Heaven and earth. Strengthen my stance, season my words, and let my life serve as a conduit for Your Glory. I will not back down from doing and saying what’s right, even if it means I lose favor with others, because I’d rather have the Favor of God on and over my life than the temporary favor of man. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.