How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Saul's? saul’s midnight mistake 1 Samuel 28:8 records the moment Saul stepped outside God’s will: “So Saul disguised himself, put on other garments, and went—two men were with him. He came to the woman by night and said, ‘Consult a spirit for me; bring up for me the one I name to you.’” • He wore a disguise—symbolic of hiding from God’s clear commands. • He sought a medium, directly violating Deuteronomy 18:10-12. • He acted in fear of the Philistines instead of faith in the LORD. roots of misalignment • Ignored prior guidance: the LORD had already spoken through Samuel (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Replaced revelation with desperation: when answers seemed delayed, he forced a solution. • Chased forbidden counsel: he wanted quick results more than righteous methods. • Concealed sin instead of confessing it. signposts toward God’s will 1. Scripture first “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Before acting, shine the light of God’s Word on the situation. • If a choice clearly conflicts with Scripture, it is never God’s will. 2. Trust, don’t rush “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Wait for His timing; haste often signals fleshly panic rather than Spirit-led peace. 3. Renew the mind “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) • Saturate thoughts with truth so emotions and culture lose their grip. 4. Ask for wisdom “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • God invites questions; Saul chose a medium instead. 5. Listen for the Shepherd “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • Quiet the noise—through prayerful stillness—to recognize His prompting. 6. Walk by the Spirit “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • The Spirit never contradicts Scripture, never glorifies self, always exalts Christ. tools for daily discernment • Daily Bible reading plan—keeps God’s voice familiar. • Scripture memory—arms the heart when quick decisions arise. • Fasting—sharpens spiritual sensitivity by subduing the flesh. • Journaling—records God’s past faithfulness, fostering trust for present choices. • Godly advisors—Proverbs 15:22 reminds, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Accountability—trusted believers who will ask, “Is this honoring the Lord?” living lessons • Decisions framed by fear breed compromise; those framed by faith breed obedience. • Hidden sin always erodes clarity; confessed sin restores fellowship and direction. • The quickest route to God’s will is humble submission to what He has already said. • When guidance feels silent, stay faithful to the last instruction you received—never improvise with disobedience. Choosing God’s pathway may cost comfort in the short run, yet it secures blessing, peace, and an unsullied witness—everything Saul forfeited when he slipped into the night in disguise. |
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