How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Ahab's? The Tragic Example of Ahab 1 Kings 22:6 — “So the king of Israel gathered the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, ‘Shall I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?’ ‘Go up,’ they replied, ‘and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.’” • Ahab already wanted war; he only looked for voices that echoed his desire. • He ignored the lone faithful prophet, Micaiah (vv. 7-8), choosing popularity over truth. • His choice cost him his life (vv. 34-35). Guarding Our Hearts from Confirmation Bias • Jeremiah 17:9 — “The heart is deceitful above all things.” • Proverbs 28:26 — “He who trusts in himself is a fool.” • Practical step: before seeking counsel, surrender your preference to God in prayer. Tell Him you are willing to hear “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” Testing Every Counsel by Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — God’s Word equips “for every good work,” including decisions. • Isaiah 8:20 — “If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” Checklist: – Does the advice contradict any clear command (e.g., honesty, purity, forgiveness)? – Does it promote Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23)? – Does it exalt God or self? Praying With Submission • Philippians 4:6-7 — present requests “with thanksgiving” and receive God’s peace. • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” Tips: – Pray Scripture back to God; let His promises frame your request. – End with Jesus’ pattern: “Yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Surrounding Ourselves with Courageous Truth-Tellers • Proverbs 11:14 — “Victory is won through many counselors.” • Ephesians 4:15 — speak “the truth in love.” Look for counselors who: – Love Christ more than your approval. – Know the Bible well. – Are willing to risk the friendship to tell you “no” (like Micaiah, 1 Kings 22:13-14). Waiting for Peace from the Spirit • Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” • John 16:13 — the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” Signs you may need to pause: – Anxious restlessness persists despite prayer. – Godly advisors express unified caution. – Circumstances repeatedly close doors (Revelation 3:7). Responding in Obedience • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Once God’s direction is clear, act promptly; delayed obedience is disobedience. Key Takeaways • Surrender preferences before seeking input. • Filter every voice through the literal, trustworthy Word of God. • Pray until your heart is quiet enough to hear God’s “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). • Value honest, Scripture-saturated counsel over flattering echo chambers. • Move forward only when peace, Scripture, and godly counsel converge. |
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