How can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? Setting the Scene “Saul said to Ahijah, ‘Bring the ark of God.’ (For at that time the ark of God was with the Israelites.)” – 1 Samuel 14:18 In a moment of uncertainty, Saul knew he needed God’s direction, so he called for the ark—the visible reminder of God’s presence and guidance. That simple act points us to timeless principles for keeping our decisions in step with God’s will. Core Principle: Invite God In First • The ark represented God’s throne among His people (Exodus 25:22). • Saul’s impulse to bring it forward underscores our first step: pause and invite the Lord to lead before taking action. • Jesus echoes this priority: “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). How to Align Our Actions with God’s Will Today 1. Listen to God’s Word • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 • Schedule daily time to read, study, and meditate on Scripture. • Measure every idea against the clear teaching of the Bible; if it contradicts Scripture, it is not God’s will. 2. Ask for Wisdom • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5 • Pray specifically for insight before making plans, purchases, or commitments. • Expect God to answer—sometimes through Scripture, sometimes through circumstances, always consistent with His character. 3. Trust and Submit • “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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 • Surrender preconceived outcomes; be willing to adjust or abandon plans when He redirects. 4. Seek Godly Counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22 • Talk with mature believers who know Scripture and live it. • Compare their advice with the Bible; counsel that ignores Scripture is unreliable. 5. Watch for the Spirit’s Prompting • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16 • Cultivate sensitivity to conviction, peace, or restraint from the Holy Spirit. • When uneasy, slow down; when peaceful and biblically sound, proceed. 6. Obey What You Already Know • “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed… so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2 • God often reveals the next step only after we act on the light we have. • Delayed obedience can become disobedience. Practical Checklist Before Moving Forward □ Does Scripture permit or encourage this action? □ Have I prayed and asked God for wisdom? □ Am I trusting God rather than manipulating circumstances? □ Have trusted believers confirmed this direction? □ Do I sense the Spirit’s peace rather than flesh-driven urgency? □ Am I obeying God in the areas He’s already shown me? Encouraging Result When Saul pursued God’s presence, victory followed (1 Samuel 14:23). Similarly, when we invite the Lord to guide every choice, He faithfully steers us toward decisions that honor Him and bless others. |
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