How can we "stand by the road" to discern God's will today? Verse Focus “Stand by the road and watch, O resident of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing and the woman escaping, ‘What has happened?’” (Jeremiah 48:19) Setting the Scene • In Jeremiah’s day the road out of Moab became a living classroom: anyone willing to pause, observe, and ask questions could recognize that the LORD’s judgment was unfolding exactly as foretold. • The principle endures. God still invites His people to “stand by the road,” look steadily at what He is doing, and let that observation shape decisions, priorities, and obedience. Principle 1: Take a Deliberate Pause • To “stand” means you stop rushing. Disengage the autopilot, turn down the noise, and create space to hear. • Isaiah 30:15—“In repentance and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength.” • Practical step: schedule daily, non-negotiable stillness with an open Bible—no phone alerts, no multitasking. Principle 2: Watch for God’s Hand in Current Events • Moab’s refugees proved prophecy true; today, headlines and local happenings can reveal God’s larger purposes. • Matthew 24:42—“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” • Practical step: read the news through a biblical lens; ask, “How does this align with God’s revealed plan for nations, the church, and the return of Christ?” Principle 3: Ask the Witnesses • Jeremiah urged Aroer to question the fleeing survivors. Godly listening still matters. • Proverbs 11:14—“For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.” • Hebrews 10:24-25—meet, converse, share testimonies, and glean insight from believers who have walked ahead of you. • Practical step: invite older saints to tell you what they have learned of God’s faithfulness; note patterns of His guidance. Principle 4: Anchor Every Observation in Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Jeremiah 6:16—“Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths… Then walk in it.” • Practical step: when faced with a decision, list relevant passages; let clear commands overrule feelings or trends. Principle 5: Seek Direct Illumination from the Spirit • Romans 8:14—“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • John 16:13—“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Practical step: after prayerful reading, sit quietly and expect the Spirit to highlight conviction, comfort, or a course of action consistent with Scripture. Concrete Ways to “Stand by the Road” This Week • Early-morning Bible reading with journaled observations. • Fast from social media one day to sharpen spiritual senses. • Attend corporate worship ready to listen, not just sing. • Participate in a small-group study where testimonies are shared. • Keep a world-events notebook, pairing news items with relevant passages (e.g., Ezekiel 38-39, Matthew 24). • Consult mature believers before major decisions, weighing their counsel against the Word. • End each day asking, “Where did I see God’s hand? What new direction has He shown?” Guardrails While You Stand • Reject cynicism; trust God’s sovereignty even when events look grim (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Obey promptly once His will is clear—discernment without action breeds hardness of heart (James 1:22-25). • Persist; some answers require extended watching (James 1:5). Standing by the road is not passive loitering. It is intentional, watchful, Scripture-saturated living that tunes the heart to God’s steady directions amid life’s traffic. |
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