How can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? The verse in focus “During his reign, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Joshua son of Nun.” (1 Kings 16:34) Why Jericho’s rebuild matters today - Joshua had pronounced a curse centuries earlier: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho...” (Joshua 6:26). - Hiel ignored that clear word. The result was tragic: he lost two sons exactly as foretold. - The account shows that God’s Word stands unchanged, and disregarding it brings painful consequences. - Therefore, aligning with God’s will today still centers on taking His Word seriously and obeying it in detail. Principles for aligning actions with God’s will • Take God’s Word as final authority – Psalm 119:9–11 reminds us that hiding Scripture in the heart guards a life from sin. – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Remember God’s warnings as well as His promises – Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” – Hiel’s story proves warnings are just as certain as blessings. • Seek daily guidance through the Spirit and Scripture together – Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust and acknowledge Him in all ways for straight paths. – Romans 12:2 points us to renewal of the mind so we can “approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Weigh choices against clear commands – If a decision contradicts any biblical command or principle, it cannot be God’s will (John 14:15). – Like Hiel, many fail by rationalizing around a direct word; obedience prevents this. Practical steps for daily life - Begin each day in Scripture; note any command, warning, or principle that applies. - Pray the verse back to God, asking for help to live it out. - Before acting, ask: “Is there any explicit Scripture that speaks to this?” If yes, follow it; if no, apply broad principles of love, purity, honesty, and stewardship. - Invite mature believers to speak into major decisions; their counsel often reveals blind spots (Proverbs 15:22). - Keep short accounts with God: when you realize disobedience, confess and turn immediately (1 John 1:9). Encouraging promises for obedience • Deuteronomy 30:19-20—choose life and enjoy God’s blessing. • Psalm 1:1-3—delight in the law and prosper like a well-watered tree. • John 14:21—those who keep Jesus’ commands experience His manifested presence. By honoring Scripture the way Joshua did—and refusing to repeat Hiel’s mistake—believers today can walk confidently in the center of God’s will. |
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