What steps can we take to ensure God is "with you" in our endeavors? Opening Passage: 2 Chronicles 15:2 “ ‘Hear me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.’ ” Key Insights from the Verse • God’s nearness is conditional: “when you are with Him.” • Active pursuit guarantees discovery: “if you seek Him, He will be found.” • Neglect invites distance: “if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” Because Scripture is accurate and literal, every word of this promise—and warning—stands firm. Practical Steps to Ensure God Is “with You” in Every Endeavor 1. Choose Daily Fellowship • Begin the day acknowledging His presence (Psalm 16:8). • Cultivate an attitude of continuous communion (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 2. Seek Him Earnestly • Schedule unhurried time in the Word; He reveals Himself through Scripture (Jeremiah 29:13). • Listen as much as you speak in prayer—expect Him to respond (John 10:27). 3. Walk in Immediate Obedience • Obey promptly, even in small matters; delayed obedience is disobedience (John 14:23). • Align decisions with clear biblical commands; God does not bless rebellion (James 1:22-25). 4. Reject Competing Loyalties • Remove practices, habits, or relationships that rival your devotion (1 John 2:15-16). • Like Asa, tear down “idols” that steal affection, whether material or ideological (2 Chronicles 15:8). 5. Keep Short Accounts • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin erects barriers (Psalm 66:18). • Receive His cleansing and move forward in restored fellowship. 6. Lean on His Wisdom, Not Your Own • Surrender plans for His direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Evaluate goals by eternal values rather than immediate gain (Matthew 6:33). 7. Act Courageously in His Strength • Step out in faith, trusting the promise of His presence (Joshua 1:9). • Expect His enabling power to accompany obedience (Philippians 4:13). The Outcome of Living These Steps • God’s manifest presence: guidance, peace, and assurance (Isaiah 41:10). • Fruit that lasts, because it is produced in partnership with Him (John 15:4-5). • A testimony that encourages others to seek the same faithful God (Psalm 73:28). The Lord is ready to stand beside anyone who intentionally stands with Him. Live near Him, and He will be unmistakably with you in every endeavor. |
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