What steps can we take to ensure our decisions align with God's will? Setting the Scene “This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to reside wherever he could find a place. On his way, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.” (Judges 17:8) The Levite in Judges 17:8 heads out with no clear divine direction—simply looking for “wherever he could find a place.” His aimlessness becomes a cautionary snapshot: life choices made without God’s leading invite complication and compromise. Why Alignment With God’s Will Matters • God’s plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11) • His wisdom far surpasses ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) • Alignment brings peace and fruitfulness (John 15:5) Practical Steps to Keep Decisions on Course • Saturate your mind with Scripture – God’s Word trains our discernment (Hebrews 5:14) – Let passages like Proverbs 3:5-6 guide everyday choices • Seek the Spirit’s illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) – Pray specifically for clarity before deciding • Submit every option to the Lord – Offer your body “as a living sacrifice” so your mind is renewed to “approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2) • Listen for God-given counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Lean on mature believers who themselves follow Scripture closely • Watch providential doors and checks – Paul followed open and shut doors (Acts 16:6-10) – Circumstances never override Scripture, yet God often confirms direction through them • Test motives honestly – James 4:3 warns that selfish motives hinder answers – Ask: Will this glorify Christ or just gratify me? • Wait patiently when guidance is unclear – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) – Better a delayed decision than a wrong one • Obey promptly once direction is clear – Delayed obedience quickly slips into disobedience (Luke 6:46) Additional Scriptural Anchors • Psalm 32:8 — God’s promise of personal instruction • Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way; walk in it.” • Colossians 3:15 — Let Christ’s peace rule (umpire) in your heart • James 1:5 — God gives wisdom generously to those who ask Putting It All Together Aimlessness marked the Levite’s journey; intentional submission to God can mark ours. Ground every decision in His revealed Word, heed the Spirit’s prompting, lean on godly counsel, and move only when motives and circumstances harmonize with Scripture. That path keeps us from wandering “wherever,” and leads us squarely into the center of God’s will. |
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