How can we ensure our plans align with God's will, unlike Jeroboam's? Jeroboam’s Blueprint: A Cautionary Snapshot • 1 Kings 12:25: “Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there he went out and built Penuel.” • God had already promised Jeroboam the northern kingdom (1 Kings 11:31–38), yet he trusted brick and mortar more than the promise. • His next move—setting up golden calves (12:28)—shows how a self-made plan, even one that looks strategic, can drift into outright rebellion when it ignores God’s word. Submit Every Plan to God’s Sovereignty • Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” • James 4:15 reminds, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” • Practical step: Before drafting budgets, schedules, or blueprints, verbally acknowledge, “Lord, this is Yours first.” It re-centers the heart on His control. Filter Plans Through Scripture • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Ask: Does this idea clash with any clear command? If Jeroboam had checked Exodus 20:4–5, golden calves would never have made the agenda. Guard the Heart’s Motives • 1 Kings 12:26: “Jeroboam said in his heart, ‘Now the kingdom will revert to the house of David.’” Fear of loss drove him. • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Healthy motives checklist: – God’s glory over personal security – Service over self-promotion – Trust over anxiety Seek Godly Counsel • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Surround yourself with believers who will challenge shortcuts and unscriptural angles. Jeroboam consulted no prophet; Solomon’s son ignored elders—both kingdoms suffered. Wait for Clear Providence • Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • When doors slam shut or unease lingers, pause. God may be redirecting. Rushing ahead, Jeroboam never gave space for God’s timing. Stay Dependent Through Prayer and Worship • Philippians 4:6: present “every request to God.” • Worship keeps the heart soft; idol-making starts when worship shifts away from the true God. Consistent praise meetings, personal devotion, and church fellowship help guard against inventing modern “golden calves.” Align with the Bigger Story of Redemption • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” • God’s plans always aim at advancing the gospel and transforming lives. Evaluate: Will this plan amplify Christ’s name or merely enlarge mine? Putting It All Together 1. Begin with surrender—acknowledge God’s absolute rule. 2. Search the Scriptures—let truth veto or verify ideas. 3. Diagnose motives—replace fear with faith. 4. Invite wise voices—humility listens. 5. Watch providence—God opens and closes doors. 6. Pray continually—dependence over self-reliance. 7. Aim for kingdom impact—align with God’s redemptive agenda. Follow this pattern, and our strategies will trend toward faithfulness instead of the self-protective schemes that shipwrecked Jeroboam. |
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