How can we ensure our plans align with God's will, unlike Abimelech's? Abimelech’s Ambition Exposed “So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and awaited them in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and struck them down.” (Judges 9:43) - Abimelech fashions a strategy without seeking God. - His goal is domination, not service or obedience. - The outcome is violence, instability, and ultimately his own destruction (Judges 9:56-57). Warning Signs of Man-Centered Planning - Pursuing personal glory rather than God’s glory (Judges 9:1-6). - Ignoring wise counsel and godly accountability (v. 30-31). - Relying on manipulation or force to reach a goal (v. 5). - Measuring success by immediate results instead of long-term obedience. Guardrails for God-Centered Planning - Submit motives to Scripture: “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23-24). - Trust divine guidance over human intuition: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). - Invite counsel from mature believers: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). - Remember God’s sovereignty over every outcome: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). A Five-Step Checklist Before We Act 1. Examine motivation - Is this genuinely for God’s honor, or for my advancement? (1 Corinthians 10:31) 2. Compare with clear commands - Does my plan violate any direct teaching of Scripture? (Psalm 119:105) 3. Pray and wait - Give the Lord space to redirect desires (Psalm 37:4-5). 4. Seek confirmation - Allow trusted believers to affirm or challenge the plan (Proverbs 27:17). 5. Proceed in humble dependence - “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:15) Scriptures to Keep in Front of You - Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” - Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” - Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” - Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.’” Closing Thoughts Abimelech’s story is a stark reminder that clever strategy can never substitute for surrendered hearts. When we anchor every ambition in God’s Word, seek His guidance in prayer, and remain open to correction, our plans line up with His will—and bear fruit that lasts. |
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