How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, avoiding similar outcomes? Setting the Scene—Jeremiah 52:25 “He also took out of the city a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, seven royal advisers who were found in the city, the scribe of the commander of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the city.” Jerusalem’s leaders had ignored decades of prophetic warning. Their capture highlights what happens when people persist in self-willed plans rather than God’s revealed will. Why the Leaders Fell Short • They trusted military alliances and political maneuvering (Jeremiah 37:5–10). • They silenced or mocked God’s prophets (Jeremiah 38:4–6). • They ignored covenant expectations spelled out in Deuteronomy 28. Heart Check—Staying Inside God’s Will 1. Surrender instead of strategizing alone – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 2. Listen before acting – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) 3. Keep Scripture central – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) 4. Remain sensitive to the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Practical Steps for Daily Alignment • Begin each day in the Word—let God speak first. • Pray specifically for wisdom (James 1:5) before meetings, decisions, conversations. • Ask, “Will this choice honor Christ’s lordship?” (Colossians 3:17) • Invite trusted believers to weigh in; “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Evaluate plans by Romans 12:1-2—does this transform me or conform me? • Repent quickly when conviction comes; delaying only hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:12-13). Encouraging Promises for Obedient Walkers • Guidance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8) • Protection: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him.” (Psalm 34:7) • Fruitfulness: “The one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) • Hope after failure: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Living It Out Stay teachable, stay tethered to Scripture, and stay responsive to the Spirit. In doing so, we avoid the tragic pattern of Jeremiah 52 and experience the joy of walking squarely in God’s will. |
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