In what ways can we seek God's guidance before making decisions like Ahab's? setting the scene “Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, ‘Do not fight with anyone at all except the king of Israel.’” (2 Chronicles 18:30) Ahab was stepping into battle in borrowed armor, propped up by borrowed faith, and ignoring the one voice that truly spoke for the Lord. His choice to move forward without fully embracing God’s counsel cost him his life. How can we avoid repeating his mistake? common pitfalls we share with ahab • Preferring majority opinion over clear revelation (18:5–7) • Treating God’s Word as optional advice rather than binding truth (18:17) • Leaning on human schemes—like disguise—after dismissing divine warning (18:29) proven pathways for discerning god’s guidance 1. Open the Word first, not last • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Let Scripture shape the decision framework before any other voices weigh in. 2. Welcome uncompromised prophetic voices • Ahab had 400 agreeable prophets and one inconvenient Micaiah (18:12–13). • Proverbs 27:6—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Seek counsel that dares to wound pride if needed. 3. Pray for wisdom with a yielded heart • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” • Prayer is more than asking; it is surrendering the final say to God. 4. Weigh motives in the light of eternity • Hebrews 4:12—God’s Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Ask: Is this decision driven by self-preservation, pride, or God’s glory? 5. Wait for clear peace before proceeding • Isaiah 30:15—“In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” • Hasty moves often reveal distrust; patience allows time for confirmation. 6. Obey immediately once God speaks • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Guidance without obedience hardens the heart; prompt action keeps it tender. scriptures that reinforce these steps • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust, lean not, acknowledge, and He will direct paths. • Psalm 32:8—God promises to “instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Colossians 3:15—Let the peace of Christ rule (act as an umpire) in your hearts. living it out today Before any significant choice—career moves, relationships, financial commitments—pause and run through the six pathways. Open the Bible deliberately, invite honest voices, pray with surrender, scrutinize motives, wait for peace, then obey. This rhythm keeps us from Ahab’s fate and aligns us with the God who delights to guide His people. |
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