How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, avoiding Jehoshaphat's mistake? Facing Jehoshaphat’s Warning 2 Chronicles 19:2 sets the scene: “Then Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD.’” Jehoshaphat had just allied himself with wicked King Ahab. Though his intentions seemed noble—strengthening national security—his partnership ignored God’s clear commands and led to divine rebuke. Recognize the Danger of Wrong Alliances • God judges not only obvious rebellion but also misplaced loyalties. • Compromise starts subtly: one cooperative project, one shared agenda, one rationalized decision. • Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Principles for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Seek God’s Word First – Jehoshaphat knew to do this: “Please inquire first of the word of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 18:4). We must actually follow through. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Submit to the Holy Spirit’s Leading – Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • Test Every Relationship and Opportunity – 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” • Value Obedience over Reputation or Gain – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” Practical Steps for Today • Evaluate current partnerships—business, social, romantic—against Scripture’s standards. • Schedule daily, unhurried Bible reading; let God’s voice set your priorities. • Invite mature believers to speak truth when they spot compromise (Galatians 6:1–2). • Pray specifically for discernment before major decisions (James 1:5). • Obey promptly when conviction comes; delayed obedience deepens entanglement. Encouraging Promises While You Walk in His Will • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • John 7:17: “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.” Keeping these truths close guards us from Jehoshaphat’s mistake and keeps our steps in line with God’s perfect, protecting will. |
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