It didn't start well for Jehoahaz because he followed the ways of his wicked father Jeroboam. Even though he was king and reigned several years over Israel, he obviously tolerated sin because Scripture says he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. That fact alone may not seem too bad on the surface, but toleration of sin in the first step that leads to loss of control and finally acceptance.

The real eye-opener in this passage of Scripture is verse four: the king turned away from his wicked ways and turned toward God. Something made King Jehoahaz pray when before he didn't have any inclination to do so.

You might be like Jehoahaz and find it easier to ride in sin's trailer than to take the wheel and turn around. If so, you should know that sin will take you where you don't want to go even whenthe scenes along the way seem harmless. The only way to stop the progress of sin's effect in your life is to recognize it, get rid of it and ask God to help you stop.

Jehoahaz found his way out by asking God for help. It's amazing to me that we'll settle for any reason to avoid praying even when prayer is the way out.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (2Ki 13; Joel 2:1-27)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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