How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike in Jeremiah 43:4? Jeremiah 43:4—A Sobering Reminder “Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the armies, and all the people disobeyed the voice of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah.” What Went Wrong - They already feared Babylon more than God (Jeremiah 42:16). - They asked for guidance (Jeremiah 42:2-6) but predetermined to flee. - When God’s answer cut across their plans, they rejected it (Jeremiah 43:2-3). Starting with Scripture - God’s will never contradicts His written word. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Titus 3:16-17) - Before deciding, search passages that speak directly or in principle to the issue. - Ask, “Is there a clear command, warning, or example that speaks to my situation?” Cultivating a Listening Heart - Pray for wisdom with a readiness to obey: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) - Guard against double-mindedness; Johanan asked but doubted. - Invite the Spirit’s illumination: “The Helper… will teach you all things.” (John 14:26) Consulting Godly Counsel - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) - Choose counselors who submit to Scripture, not just those who echo your preference. - Weigh advice against the Bible; counsel is confirmation, not replacement, of God’s word. Testing Motives and Desires - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) - Ask: • Am I seeking God’s glory or self-protection/promotion? • Am I motivated by faith or by fear, like Johanan? • Would this decision draw me closer to Christ or drift me away? (Hebrews 12:1-2) Waiting Faithfully - Sometimes obedience means staying put until God gives further light (Isaiah 30:15). - Rushed decisions often spring from anxiety; God calls us to patience (Psalm 27:14). - Delays refine motives and expose hidden rebellion. Acting in Quick Obedience When the Way Is Clear - Once Scripture, prayer, and counsel agree, move forward in faith. - Partial obedience is disobedience—Johanan moved everyone to Egypt in direct defiance. - “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) Living in Continual Dependence - Renew the mind daily (Romans 12:1-2). - Stay sensitive to course corrections: “Your ears will hear a word behind you: ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21) - Alignment with God’s will is not a one-time achievement but a moment-by-moment walk. Takeaway Decisions align with God’s will when His written word governs them, prayerful hearts listen, wise counsel confirms, motives are purified, patience is exercised, and obedience follows swiftly—everything Johanan’s band ignored in Jeremiah 43:4. |
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