How can we apply Jesus' example in John 7:9 to our daily decisions? Setting the Scene “Having said this, He remained in Galilee.” (John 7:9) Jesus’ brothers urged Him to head to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:3-4). Their motive was publicity; His motive was obedience. Confident that every word of Scripture is accurate and literally true, we see here a deliberate decision to stay where the Father wanted Him—in Galilee—until the appointed time (John 7:6-8). What Jesus Shows Us • Obedience outweighs opportunity • Timing is as important as action • Refusing pressure preserves purpose • Quiet faithfulness often precedes public ministry Principles for Our Daily Decisions 1. Align with the Father’s Schedule • Psalm 31:15 “My times are in Your hands.” • Practical step: before committing, ask, “Is this God’s timing or mine?” 2. Weigh Motives, Not Applause • Galatians 1:10 “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Practical step: write down why you want to act; submit that list to Scripture. 3. Stay Until Sent • Waiting is active trust; it includes prayer, counsel, and readiness. 4. Resist Ungodly Pressure • Daniel 3:16-18—Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego stood firm under pressure. • Practical step: rehearse truths from God’s Word to counter voices pushing you ahead of Him. 5. Move When the Spirit Leads • Romans 8:14 “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • When God says “Go,” obedience is immediate, as Jesus later went up to the feast (John 7:10). How to Practice This Today • Start the day in Scripture; let God set your pace. • Schedule margin so you can wait, listen, and adjust. • Before big choices, pause 24 hours to pray and seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22). • Say no graciously when pressured outside God’s timing. • Celebrate small acts of obedience; they prepare you for larger assignments. Daily Walk Takeaways Remaining in Galilee was not inactivity; it was purposeful alignment with the Father. In every decision—career moves, relationships, ministry opportunities—we can follow Jesus’ example: pause, discern, and act only when God’s timing and will are clear. Steadfast obedience today positions us for faithful impact tomorrow. |
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