What practical steps ensure our decisions align with God's will, not human plans? The Scene Behind the Lesson “Dismiss each king from his command and replace them with military commanders.” (1 Kings 20:24) Ben-hadad’s advisers crafted a clever military reshuffle, thinking better officers would tip the scales next time. The plan looked logical, yet it ignored the Lord, and the Syrians fell again. Their mistake spotlights how easily human ideas crowd out God’s will. Why Human Plans Fall Short • They lean on limited sight (Proverbs 16:25). • They overlook the unseen spiritual battle (2 Kings 6:17). • They fail to honor God’s sovereignty (Psalm 115:3). Practical Steps to Keep Decisions in God’s Will 1. Stay in Scripture First • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Daily reading calibrates the heart before choices arise. 2. Pray for Wisdom, Not a Rubber Stamp • James 1:5—ask in faith for God-given clarity. • Turn ideas into prayer topics, inviting God to refine or remove them. 3. Check Motives Before Moving • Jeremiah 17:9 warns the heart is “deceitful.” • Ask: Does this decision exalt Christ or self? 4. Seek God-fearing Counsel • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Look for believers who will challenge, not merely applaud. 5. Wait for Spirit-Led Peace • Colossians 3:15—let Christ’s peace “rule” (umpire) your heart. • Rushed urgency often signals flesh, not faith. 6. Observe Providential Circumstances • Revelation 3:7—Christ opens and shuts doors. • Consistent roadblocks may be a loving “no.” 7. Test Alignment with Known Commands • Romans 12:1-2—renew the mind to discern God’s will. • No decision violating clear Scripture can be “God’s leading.” 8. Step Forward in Obedience, Stay Flexible • Proverbs 16:9—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.” • Act on current light; adjust quickly if He redirects. Scripture Snapshot of a God-Aligned Decision • Acts 16:6-10—Paul planned Asia, the Spirit sent him to Macedonia. • Result: Gospel reached Europe, proving divine reroutes are better. Closing Encouragement Ben-hadad trusted strategy; believers trust the Sovereign. As each choice runs through prayer, Scripture, counsel, peace, and obedience, God faithfully steers our steps and guards us from the trap of merely human plans. |
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