How can we ensure our plans align with God's will, unlike Ahithophel's? Ahithophel’s Plan in 2 Samuel 17:2 “ ‘I will attack him while he is weary and discouraged, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee. Then I will strike down only the king.’ ” Why His Counsel Failed • No seeking of God—Scripture records no prayer or consultation with the LORD. • Motive of revenge and ambition, not righteousness. • Directly opposed God’s covenant promise to David (2 Samuel 7:16). • Fell under David’s prayer: “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31). Foundational Steps to Align Our Plans with God’s Will • Yield the heart first: “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). • Test motives: “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16:2). • Seek guidance through prayer: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • Submit to revealed promises—never plan against clear Scripture. • Invite godly counsel: “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). • Look for the peace of Christ to rule (Colossians 3:15). Ongoing Habits That Keep Us Aligned • Daily, believing reading of Scripture. • Continual prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). • Immediate obedience to known truth. • Humble flexibility when God redirects. • Worship that magnifies God’s sovereignty (Psalm 33:10-11). A Quick Biblical Checklist 1. Plan accords with clear teaching of Scripture. 2. Motives purified from selfish ambition (James 3:16-17). 3. Wise, Scripture-honoring counselors concur. 4. Doors open by providence, not manipulation. 5. Inner peace replaces anxiety. Final Encouragement “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Trusting, obeying, and saturating ourselves in His unerring Word we weave our plans into those eternal purposes—plans that endure, unlike Ahithophel’s. |
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