How can Jehoshaphat's example inspire us to prioritize God's guidance in decisions? Jehoshaphat’s Powerful Growth: Rooted in Seeking the LORD “Jehoshaphat grew increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:12) His rising influence was not luck or politics—it flowed from a life centered on God’s direction. Key Threads in Jehoshaphat’s Story • 17:3-4 — “He sought the God of his fathers.” • 17:6 — “His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD.” • 17:9 — He sent teachers “with the Book of the Law of the LORD.” • 18:4 — Even when joining Ahab in battle plans, he insisted, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.” • 20:3-4 — When terror struck, he “set his face to seek the LORD” and led Judah in prayer and fasting. How His Example Guides Our Decisions • Seek first, build later. Jehoshaphat’s fortresses came after he had fortified his heart with obedience. • God’s Word anchored every choice. Teaching Scripture to the nation kept truth in front of him (Psalm 119:105). • He valued godly counsel more than political advantage (Proverbs 15:22). • His default response to crisis was prayer, not panic (James 1:5). • Because he listened, God established him—showing that the safest path is the submitted path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Guidance • Open Scripture before opening spreadsheets—read a psalm or proverb before planning. • Pray aloud over options, inviting the Spirit’s correction (Psalm 32:8). • Weigh every opportunity by clear commands: Does it honor Christ? Does it compromise holiness? • Seek counsel from mature believers; Jehoshaphat gathered prophets before armies. • Eliminate competing voices—remove “high places” such as sinful habits, media, or alliances that dull discernment. • Wait until peace replaces pressure; haste often signals flesh, not faith (Isaiah 30:21). Promised Outcomes of God-Directed Choices • Stability: “He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • Protection: “The LORD established the kingdom in his hand” (17:5). • Influence for good: others were taught and strengthened because he listened (17:10). • Joy: obedience brings the gladness of walking in step with the Shepherd (John 15:11). Guarding Against Compromise Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab (18:1) nearly cost him his life. Even a God-seeking believer can drift when relationships pull away from truth. Stay alert, test every partnership, and keep “the counsel of the LORD” foremost. Living It Out This Week • Schedule a short daily “consultation” with God before major tasks. • Re-read 2 Chronicles 17–20, noting how prayer precedes victories. • Identify one “high place” to remove and one faith-building habit to start. • Share a recent decision story with someone, highlighting how Scripture guided you. Jehoshaphat shows that real strength is forged in surrendered decisions. Prioritize God’s guidance, and His hand will steady every step. |
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