How can we apply the king's inquiry to our decision-making processes today? Setting the Scene: 2 Kings 8:4 “Now the king had spoken with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, ‘Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.’” The king pauses governing to gather firsthand accounts of God’s mighty acts. His simple request becomes a model for every believer’s decision-making: before acting, pause to ask, “What has God already done, and how should that shape my next step?” Why the Inquiry Matters • Recognizes God’s past works as reliable guidance for present choices • Values testimony from credible, God-centered witnesses • Cultivates humility—leaders and laypeople alike need divine perspective • Invites faith to shape reason rather than sidelining it Lessons for Today’s Decisions 1. Look Back Before You Leap ‑ Remember concrete instances of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). ‑ Keep personal “stone piles” like Israel’s memorial at the Jordan (Joshua 4:6-7). 2. Seek Living Witnesses ‑ Listen to believers who have seen God at work, just as the king listened to Gehazi. ‑ Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” ‑ Cultivate inter-generational conversations in church and family. 3. Place God’s Works at the Center of Counsel ‑ Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” ‑ Ensure those advisors anchor their counsel in scriptural truth and proven experience. 4. Let Scripture Speak Loudest ‑ 2 Timothy 3:16-17—God’s Word equips “for every good work.” ‑ Filter every option through clear biblical principles rather than cultural trends. 5. Ask God Directly ‑ James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…” ‑ Combine prayerful asking with active listening to testimonies and Scripture. Practical Steps for Daily Life • Keep a written record of answered prayers and providences; review it before major choices. • Invite seasoned believers to share “all the great things” God has done in their lives at small groups or family meals. • When facing a decision, open Scripture first; note passages that reveal God’s character relevant to your situation. • Evaluate possible actions by asking, “Which path best aligns with God’s proven ways?” • Allow God’s past faithfulness to silence panic and fuel courage to obey (Psalm 37:25). The Resulting Impact • Decisions become acts of worship rather than mere problem-solving. • Fear diminishes; confidence grows in the God who “does not change” (Malachi 3:6). • Lives, families, and churches reflect a consistent testimony: “Come, listen, and I will tell you what He has done for me.” (Psalm 66:16). |
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