How can we discern God's will when facing decisions like Hadad's? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 11:22: “But Pharaoh said to him, ‘What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?’ ‘Nothing,’ Hadad replied, ‘but please let me go.’” Hadad stands at a fork in the road: remain in Egypt’s safety or return to Edom and challenge Solomon. Discernment is crucial, and the same principles guide us today. Why Discernment Matters • Wrong turns carry real consequences (Galatians 6:7). • God already has a path marked out (Ephesians 2:10). • Our responsibility is to recognize and follow it (Proverbs 3:5-6). Timeless Marks of God’s Direction • Scripture first: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). God never leads contrary to His written Word. • Prayer for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given” (James 1:5). • Surrendered mind: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice… Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is” (Romans 12:1-2). • Godly counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Providential circumstances: doors God opens or shuts (Acts 16:6-10). • Inner witness of the Spirit: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). • Peace that confirms: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). Lessons from Hadad’s Crossroads • Comfort isn’t always confirmation. Egypt offered security, yet God allowed a stirring in Hadad’s heart. • Motives matter. Hadad’s desire carried shades of vengeance (vv. 14-25). Pure motives align with God’s character (James 3:17). • Timing counts. God raised adversaries against Solomon in His perfect timetable (1 Kings 11:14). Acting early or late distorts God’s plan. • Authority can test resolve. Pharaoh’s probing question forced Hadad to articulate his purpose; wise authority can expose hidden motives. A Practical Discernment Checklist 1. Search the Word—list every passage that touches your situation. 2. Sift your motives—ask what truly drives you (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Seek persistent prayer—linger until God’s peace settles. 4. Solicit counsel—share openly with mature believers. 5. Survey circumstances—note open and closed doors. 6. Step in faith—obey the light you have; God reveals the rest en route (Psalm 37:5). Red Flags Signaling “Wait” or “Stop” • Decision contradicts clear Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Driven by bitterness or pride (James 3:14-16). • Requires ethical compromise (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Produces escalating unrest instead of peace (Isaiah 26:3). • Demands hurried, flesh-motivated action (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Encouragement for Every Crossroad God delights to guide obedient hearts. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). His Word, His Spirit, and His providence still converge to steer willing followers—just as surely today as in Hadad’s day. |
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