Ripple Effects

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. - II Kings 22:1-2

King Josiah.  Now, here was a man of unwavering faith and determination. He was a true leader, always striving to align himself with God’s will and to guide his people in the right direction. He fearlessly dismantled the false idols and restored the temple to its rightful state. And you know what? For a time, the nation was rejuvenated. The people returned to the worship of the one true God, and it seemed like Josiah’s reign was a turning point for the land.

But then, as often happens in life, things took a turn for the worse. After Josiah's death, the people returned to their old ways, worshipping false gods and ignoring the commands of the Lord. It's enough to make a person feel like all their hard work was for nothing.

But here's the remarkable part: even though Josiah’s reign didn’t have the immediate, visible impact he might have desired, his legacy didn’t end with his death. Several significant figures in the Bible were profoundly influenced by Josiah’s life and unwavering faith in God. People like Daniel, who faced the lions because of his faithfulness to prayer, and the three Hebrew children who fearlessly stood up to King Nebuchadnezzar. These men were raised under Josiah’s reign, and his example inspired them to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of severe persecution.

So, what does this mean for each of us? Well, it’s easy to feel our efforts are insignificant, like they’re just a drop in the ocean. But the truth is, we never know whose life we’re touching. Our actions, words, and examples can create a ripple effect extending far beyond our immediate surroundings.

So, please don't give up, my friend. Keep showing up, keep serving, and keep being a light in the world. You never know whose life you're influencing for good. As it says in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

And hey, if all else fails and you feel yourself drowning in doubt and frustration, remember the wise words of that great theologian, Dory, from Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming."