In what ways can we ensure our decisions align with God's will today? Setting the Scene: Judges 19:13 “Let us leave here and try to reach one of those places—Gibeah or Ramah—and spend the night in one of them.” (Judges 19:13) The Levite chooses a night’s lodging without pausing to inquire of the LORD. The tragic events that follow (Judges 19–21) underline how costly it can be when decisions are made apart from God’s guidance. Key Principle: Seeking God Before Stepping Forward When we rush ahead, we risk missing His best. Aligning our choices with His will safeguards us and advances His purposes. Practical Ways to Align Decisions with God’s Will • Saturate your mind with Scripture – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Let clear biblical commands set the boundaries; let biblical principles shape the grey areas. • Pray for specific leading – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” – Pray until you can proceed in faith, not guesswork. • Submit every plan to the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” – Hold plans loosely; let God veto or redirect. • Listen for the Spirit’s promptings – Romans 8:14: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – The Spirit’s nudges align with Scripture and produce peace, not pressure. • Seek godly counsel – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Ask mature believers who know Scripture and your situation. • Evaluate motives and potential fruit – 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” – Will the decision honor Christ, serve others, and advance His kingdom? Scripture Cross-References That Anchor Us • Psalm 32:8 — God promises instruction and counsel • Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way; walk in it” • Romans 12:2 — Renewed minds discern God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will • Colossians 3:15 — Let Christ’s peace rule in your hearts as an umpire A Simple Decision-Making Checklist 1. Does God’s Word permit or prohibit this? 2. Have I prayed and waited long enough to hear His answer? 3. Are my motives pure and kingdom-oriented? 4. Have trusted believers confirmed or cautioned? 5. Do I sense the Spirit’s peace as I proceed? 6. Would the likely outcome bear good fruit for God’s glory? Encouragement for the Journey God delights in guiding His children. When Scripture shapes our thinking, prayer fuels our dependence, and the Spirit directs our steps, we can move forward with confidence—certain that our decisions align with His perfect will and spared from the painful detours that marked the Levite’s night in Gibeah. |