How can we discern God's will without resorting to unbiblical practices? Setting the Scene: Jeroboam’s Short-Sighted Plan “Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey; go to him, and he will tell you what will become of the boy.” (1 Kings 14:3) Jeroboam wanted answers about his sick son, yet instead of humbling himself, he tried to secure a prophetic word with gifts and deception. He treated the prophet like a fortune-teller while stubbornly clinging to idolatry. What Went Wrong? • He sought a message without seeking the God of the message. • He used external trinkets to sway a prophet rather than internal repentance to move God’s heart. • He relied on secrecy and disguise—tactics that assume God can be fooled. • He bypassed Scripture’s clear demand for obedience (Exodus 20:3-6) and tried to shortcut divine guidance. Timeless Principles for Discerning God’s Will • Start with revealed truth. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Pray for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Obey what you already know. “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) • Seek godly counsel. “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Pay attention to providential circumstances. Paul’s closed doors in Asia and open door to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10) demonstrate God’s directional hand. • Follow the Spirit’s inner prompting. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) Practices the Word Endorses 1. Daily immersion in Scripture – Read, meditate, and memorize (Joshua 1:8). 2. Honest, persistent prayer – Combine petition with submission (Philippians 4:6-7). 3. Corporate worship and fellowship – The body clarifies God’s voice (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Spirit-led obedience in small matters – Faithfulness today positions you for clarity tomorrow (Luke 16:10). Avoiding Common Pitfalls • Horoscopes, tarot, crystals, and any form of divination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • Manipulative “sign seeking” that demands God jump through hoops (Matthew 12:39). • Emotional impulses divorced from Scripture’s guardrails (Jeremiah 17:9). • “Fleece” tactics treated as universal formulas; Gideon’s story describes God’s patience, not a principle to copy. • Disguised agendas—approaching God already decided, hoping for rubber-stamp approval. A Simple Daily Checklist □ Was my Bible open and my heart teachable today? □ Did I bring my decision to God in prayer and leave room for His answer? □ Have I obeyed the last clear instruction He gave me? □ Have I sought counsel from mature believers? □ Do circumstances align without forcing doors open? □ Does what I sense align with the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit? Final Encouragement God does not hide His will like a puzzle; He delights to guide His children who walk in honesty, humility, and obedience. Stay anchored in His Word, attentive in prayer, and responsive to His Spirit, and you will navigate life’s decisions without drifting into unbiblical shortcuts. |
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