How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Ahaziah's? Setting the Scene: Ahaziah’s Missteps 2 Chronicles 22:4 sums up the tragedy: “He did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was counseled by them after the death of his father to his destruction.” Key take-aways: • He copied ungodly models. • He trusted voices that pulled him away from the LORD. • He never paused to seek God’s direction. Foundational Truth: Scripture Is the Sure Compass • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by renewed minds so we can “prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” God’s Word is never optional background noise; it is the map that keeps us off Ahaziah’s road. Practical Steps: Walking in God-Aligned Decision Making 1. Start with Scripture. Before brainstorming options, open the Bible. Let clear commands and principles set the boundaries. 2. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Ask specifically, “Lord, show me what honors You here.” 3. List motives. Are you seeking God’s glory or personal gain? (1 Corinthians 10:31). 4. Check the fruit. Will this choice foster righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit? (Romans 14:17). 5. Wait for peace. Colossians 3:15 says the peace of Christ should “rule” (act as an umpire) in our hearts. 6. Move forward in faith. Once the step aligns with Scripture and peace, act confidently (Hebrews 11:6). Guarding the Gate: Choosing Counsel Wisely • Psalm 1:1-2 warns against “the counsel of the wicked.” • Proverbs 11:14 — “With many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 13:20 — “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” Seek advisers who: – Love and know the Bible. – Model obedience in their own lives. – Will speak truth even when it stings. Reject flattery and echo chambers; they helped ruin Ahaziah. Staying Sensitive: Moment-by-Moment Dependence on the Spirit • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Psalm 25:4-5 — “Show me Your ways, O LORD… for You are the God of my salvation.” Keep short accounts with God; confess sin quickly so nothing dulls spiritual hearing. Encouragement: God Rewards Hearts Set to Obey • 2 Chronicles 16:9 — “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to Him.” Aligning decisions with His will is not drudgery; it positions us for His strongest support and deepest joy—everything Ahaziah forfeited, but everything still available to us today. |
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