How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Saul's? Saul’s Choice at Endor: A Cautionary Snapshot “Then Saul swore to her by the LORD, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, you will not incur punishment for this.’ ” (1 Samuel 28:10) • God had already forbidden mediums (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • Saul knew the law, yet in fear he bypassed God’s silence and sought forbidden counsel. • He used the Lord’s name to guarantee safety while simultaneously breaking the Lord’s clear command—a tragic blend of religiosity and rebellion. Why Saul Drifted Out of God’s Will • Selective obedience: earlier, Saul spared Agag and the best livestock (1 Samuel 15). • Fear-driven decisions: the Philistine threat loomed large; panic replaced patient trust. • Rash vows: he swore an oath without divine authorization. • Isolation from godly counsel: Samuel was gone, and Saul had distanced himself from faithful voices. Guidelines for Decisions that Stay in God’s Will 1. Root Every Choice in Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Compare each option with clear biblical commands and principles; if it contradicts Scripture, it is never God’s will. 2. Value Obedience Above Results • “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) • A door that promises quick relief but demands disobedience is a counterfeit opportunity. 3. Seek the Lord First, Not Last • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Prayer and the Word are primary, not fallback options when other avenues fail. 4. Ask for Wisdom and Wait for It • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) • God’s silence may mean “wait,” not “find an alternative source.” • Patience protects us from impulsive, flesh-driven detours. 5. Walk in Step with the Spirit • “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) • Daily surrender keeps the heart sensitive; hidden sin dulls discernment. 6. Invite Faithful Counsel, Reject Forbidden Voices • Godly mentors, elders, and mature believers help test motives and options (Proverbs 11:14). • Horoscopes, mediums, and other occult practices are categorically off-limits. 7. Renew the Mind Continually • “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) • Consistent meditation on truth equips us to recognize counterfeits instantly. 8. Repent Quickly When You Falter • David’s swift confession (Psalm 51) stands in contrast to Saul’s pattern of excuse-making. • Quick repentance restores fellowship, clears vision, and realigns the will. Putting It All Together When pressures mount and answers seem delayed, remember Saul’s misstep at Endor. God’s will is never discovered by bypassing His Word or compromising His commands. Stay anchored in Scripture, cultivate a listening heart, surround yourself with faithful counsel, and move only when His light clearly shines on the path ahead. |
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