But after the death of Jehoiada things fell apart. The leaders of Judah made a formal presentation to the king and he went along with them. 2 Chronicles 24:17 (MSG)

It was in February of 1981 that my life changed forever. That was when my journey truly began. The initial steps were a short trek down an aisle to publicly profess my faith that Jesus was exactly who He said He was, and my decision to lay down my life, pick up my cross, and follow Him.

It’s hard to describe in words, but everything was different when I woke up the next morning. My faith was no longer just following the imprint of my parents and grandparents. I wasn’t simply and blindly following the tradition of my family. I had made my own decision. I stepped out on my own path; set out on my own faith journey following Jesus wherever He might lead me [cue sound: “What a long, strange trip it’s been…”].

As I read the story of Joash, the boy king, and Jehoiada the priest, I find it interesting how quickly Joash turned to idolatry after Jehoiada’s death. The story is quite explicit in saying that Joash followed God throughout Jehoiada’s lifetime. I get the sense that Joash wasn’t walking his own faith journey. He wasn’t following God. He was following Jehoiada.

Over the years I’ve observed others who appear to trek to church because it was simply how they were raised. Sunday morning became part of some imprinted routine along with getting up at the same time each morning and having meatloaf for dinner on Thursdays.

Today, I’m thankful for those first baby steps of faith. I’m thankful for my own personal relationship with Jesus. I’m thankful for the journey of a lifetime following Him.