How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Saul's? A sobering moment in Saul’s story “Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he replied.” (1 Samuel 28:11) Saul ignored God’s clear commands (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) and sought guidance from a medium. This single verse captures a tragic pattern: when Saul felt desperate, he bypassed God’s ways and formed his own plan. Scripture presents his choice as a warning and a mirror, urging believers to choose a better path. The downward spiral behind Saul’s decision • Repeated disobedience—1 Samuel 15:22-23 shows Saul valuing expediency over obedience. • Spiritual dullness—1 Samuel 28:6 notes that “the LORD did not answer him.” Persistent sin deadened Saul’s discernment. • Flesh-driven shortcuts—1 Chronicles 10:13-14 later confirms Saul “did not seek guidance from the LORD.” Instead he pursued forbidden means. Left unchecked, these habits culminated in 1 Samuel 28:11. The Bible’s blueprint for God-aligned decisions Scripture unveils a consistent pattern that contrasts sharply with Saul’s approach: 1. Saturate the mind with God’s Word • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • God’s will is never contrary to written revelation. Regular reading renews perspective (Romans 12:2). 2. Seek God in believing prayer • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Prayer keeps decisions in relational context with the Father, not in isolated reasoning. 3. Listen to the Shepherd’s voice • “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • The Holy Spirit guides through internal prompting that always harmonizes with Scripture. 4. Submit to trustworthy counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, adapted to wording) • Mature believers help confirm or caution, preventing blind spots. 5. Wait for God’s timing • “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7a) • Hastiness often signals fleshly urgency; patience nurtures clarity. 6. Obey promptly once clear • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Partial obedience, Saul’s trademark, is disobedience; full obedience opens the next step. Practical checkpoints before acting • Does the choice align with explicit Scripture? • Has it been bathed in honest, persevering prayer? • Do Spirit-led promptings and inward peace accompany it (Colossians 3:15)? • Has godly counsel affirmed its wisdom? • Am I willing to wait or change course if the Lord redirects? • Is my motive God’s glory rather than personal comfort or fear? Living the better storyline Unlike Saul, believers possess the completed canon of Scripture, the indwelling Spirit, and the example of Christ’s perfect obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9). Walking in these resources keeps decisions anchored in God’s will, turning every fork in the road into an opportunity for worship rather than a detour toward regret. |
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