How can we apply the principle of seeking God's will in difficult situations? Setting the Scene “Now then, prepare a new cart and two cows that have calved and have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and send them back home.” 1 Samuel 6:7 What Stands Out in the Verse • New cart — no old baggage, no reused solutions • Two nursing cows — creatures naturally inclined to stay with their calves • Calves sent home — every natural pull removed • Direction set toward Israel — if the cows go there, the Philistines will know God’s hand is in it (vv. 9) The Philistine leaders created conditions where only God could direct the outcome. The cows’ unlikely obedience became unmistakable proof of God’s will. Principles We Learn • Remove personal bias: like the new cart, start fresh rather than leaning on past assumptions. • Accept “unnatural” obedience: God’s leading may run against instincts or comfort, just as the cows walked away from their calves. • Let God prove His path: give Him room to act so the answer is clear and undeniable. Steps for Seeking God’s Will When Life Gets Tough 1. Clear the slate – Lay down preconceived solutions. (Proverbs 3:5 – 6) 2. Offer wholehearted availability – Present yourself fully to Him. (Romans 12:1 – 2) 3. Pray for wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” (James 1:5) 4. Create space to listen – Quiet time in Scripture and reflection lets Him speak. (Psalm 46:10) 5. Watch for confirming evidence – Circumstances, counsel, and inner peace line up, much like the cows’ straight path. (Colossians 3:15) 6. Obey even when it feels counter-intuitive – Faith moves against natural pull. (Luke 5:5) 7. Give God the credit – Acknowledge His hand openly as the Philistines did. (1 Samuel 6:12) Encouragement from Related Passages • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Isaiah 30:21 — “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” • John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Putting It Into Practice Today • Face the decision honestly: identify any “calves” you’re reluctant to leave. • Pray and release the outcome: give God permission to override your natural inclination. • Move forward on the path that aligns with Scripture and the Spirit’s nudging, trusting that He guides as clearly as He guided two unwilling cows on a brand-new cart. |
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