How can we discern God's will in leadership decisions today? Setting the scene “‘Harness!’ Joram shouted, and they harnessed his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his own chariot, to meet Jehu. They encountered him on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.” (2 Kings 9:21) Jehu is racing toward Jezreel under God’s clear commission. Two kings hurry out to confront him without ever pausing to ask the Lord what is happening. Their snap decision ends in tragedy. From this moment we learn what to do—and what to avoid—when facing weighty leadership choices. Observe the warning • Urgency replaced discernment. • Political alliances outweighed spiritual inquiry. • Personal safety seemed more pressing than God’s revealed plan. • They ignored prior prophetic words (1 Kings 21:17-24; 2 Kings 9:6-10). Principles for discerning God’s will in leadership 1. Confirm God’s Word first • God had already spoken judgment on Ahab’s line through Elijah. Jehu’s arrival fulfilled that word. • When Scripture has spoken clearly on a matter, no amount of strategy or counsel can override it (Psalm 119:105). 2. Seek prophetic clarity, not political convenience • Jehoshaphat once asked, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here?” (2 Chronicles 18:6). Joram never bothered. • Leadership that prizes God’s voice above alliances stands on solid ground (Isaiah 30:1-2). 3. Weigh motives before God • Jehu pursued obedience; Joram pursued self-preservation. • “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5). 4. Allow time for counsel and prayer • “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22). • Even urgent situations benefit from time on our knees (Nehemiah 1:4-11). 5. Recognize the cost of ignoring revelation • Joram’s disregard cost him his throne and life. • “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25). Practical steps today • Open the Word first; note every passage that addresses your decision. • Write out what obedience would look like, regardless of personal risk. • Invite mature believers to test your impressions against Scripture. • Pray until the heart grows quiet enough to hear the Spirit’s gentle “yes” or “no” (Philippians 4:6-7). • Submit the final call to God’s timing, trusting He can reopen or close doors (Revelation 3:7). Supporting scriptures • James 1:5 – God promises wisdom without reproach. • Psalm 37:23 – He orders the steps of the righteous. • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust and acknowledge Him; He will direct paths. • Romans 12:1-2 – A renewed mind discerns the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Closing thoughts 2 Kings 9:21 stands as a sober reminder: leaders either rush ahead in human calculation or move forward under divine direction. The difference lies in pausing to hear, believing what God has already said, and aligning every decision with His unchanging Word. |
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