What steps can we take to ensure obedience to God's instructions in our lives? Hearing the Word First • “But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God:” (2 Chronicles 11:2) • Rehoboam had already mobilized 180,000 warriors (v. 1), yet he stopped when God spoke. • Step one for us: give God the first word, not the last resort. – Daily reading: Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Quiet attentiveness: 1 Kings 19:12 shows God’s voice in a gentle whisper; hurry muffles it. Pausing Before We Proceed • Rehoboam paused his military plan; obedience often begins with a holy stop. • Practical habit: build “Selah moments” into schedules—brief pauses to ask, “Have I heard from the Lord on this?” • Proverbs 3:5-6—trust and acknowledge Him, and He directs paths, not impulses. Testing Every Impulse by Scripture • Shemaiah delivered specific words that aligned with God’s covenant purposes. • We test promptings the same way: Acts 17:11 commends examining everything “against the Scriptures.” • Keep a running list of current decisions; write the verses that speak to each one. Immediate, Complete Obedience • 2 Chronicles 11:4 records Rehoboam’s response: “So they obeyed the words of the LORD and turned back.” Partial delay would have cost lives. • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Make obedience measurable: if God says reconcile, schedule the call; if He says give, write the check. Surrounding Ourselves with Obedient Voices • Shemaiah was ready, available, courageous. Do we keep modern “Shemaiahs” nearby? • Proverbs 13:20—walk with the wise and become wise. • Join a small group, invite accountability partners, memorize Scripture together. Remembering Obedience Honors God More Than Activity • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Our culture prizes busyness; God prizes submission. • Regularly ask: Am I doing this for God or at God’s direction? Trusting the Outcome to the Lord • Rehoboam feared losing territory; obedience protected Judah from needless bloodshed. • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love-based obedience trusts God with results. • Keep a journal of times obedience looked risky yet proved wise; rehearse these testimonies when future instructions feel costly. Living a Lifestyle of Ongoing Alignment • Daily intake of Scripture • Intentional pauses for listening • Biblical testing of decisions • Swift, measurable action steps • Godly counsel in community • Continual remembrance of past faithfulness These practices, modeled in 2 Chronicles 11:2-4 and echoed throughout Scripture, keep hearts steady, ears open, and lives bent toward joyful obedience. |
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