How can we ensure our actions align with God's plans, as in Luke 23:55? Setting the Scene: Luke 23:55 “ The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.” These devoted women did not rush in. They carefully observed where Jesus’ body lay so they could return after the Sabbath to serve Him properly. Their quiet attentiveness models how believers today can keep every action in step with God’s plan. Look Before You Leap • Pause to gain clear understanding, just as the women “saw the tomb.” • Compare each intended action with God’s revealed Word (Psalm 119:105). • Ask, “Does this match what Scripture plainly teaches?” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Wait for God’s Timing • The women waited through the Sabbath, honoring God’s rhythm (Exodus 20:8–11). • Trust that divine delays often protect us from misplaced zeal (Ecclesiastes 3:1). • Cultivate patience so enthusiasm never outruns obedience (Proverbs 19:2). Prepare with Reverence • They returned later “with spices” (Luke 24:1), planning thoughtfully, not haphazardly. • Examine motives—seek to glorify Christ, not self (Colossians 3:17). • Steward resources carefully; excellence honors the Lord (Malachi 1:8, 11). Submit to Scripture’s Authority • Align choices under the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Let clear biblical commands overrule personal preferences (John 14:15). • Measure success by faithfulness, not results (1 Corinthians 4:2). Listen to the Spirit’s Guidance • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Stay sensitive through prayerful attentiveness (Ephesians 6:18). • Keep in step daily—small promptings prevent large missteps (Galatians 5:25). Walk in God-Honoring Community • The women traveled together; mutual witness safeguarded accuracy. • Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). • Encourage one another to hold steady to God’s plan (Hebrews 10:24). Practical Alignment Checklist – Does Scripture affirm this action? (Psalm 19:7–11) – Have I prayed and waited for clarity? (Philippians 4:6–7) – Are my motives Christ-centered? (2 Corinthians 5:14–15) – Have trusted believers confirmed the direction? (Proverbs 11:14) – Will the outcome bear righteous fruit? (James 3:17–18) – Can I give thanks for it in advance? (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Living It Out God “prepared beforehand” good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Like the women at the tomb, observe, wait, prepare, and then act—confident that each step, grounded in Scripture and guided by the Spirit, will align perfectly with His sovereign plan. |
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