How can we discern God's will in our partnerships, based on this verse? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 20:37 — “Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.’ So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.” What Went Wrong for Jehoshaphat • Jehoshaphat had already allied once with ungodly Ahab (2 Chron 18) and barely escaped disaster. • After that mercy, he still partnered with Ahab’s son Ahaziah, “who was guilty of wickedness” (2 Chron 20:35). • God intervened: the fleet never left port. The broken ships were a visible rebuke—partnerships outside God’s will cannot carry us where we hope to go. Timeless Principles Drawn from the Wrecked Fleet • God evaluates our partnerships, not just our personal intentions. • Repeated compromise invites stronger discipline (Hebrews 12:6). • When God blocks a venture, protection is often disguised as disappointment (Romans 8:28). Scriptural Counsels for Discerning God’s Will in Partnerships • Alignment with righteousness: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Wisdom from God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Guidance through prayer and trust: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • Godly counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Fruit inspection: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Character and track record matter more than promises. Practical Checklist Before Entering a Partnership 1. Mission: Does this venture clearly advance God’s purposes or merely personal gain? 2. Motive: Am I pressured by fear, greed, or impatience rather than conviction? 3. Morality: Is the other party committed to integrity that matches Scripture? 4. Mutual Influence: Will this partnership pull me toward or away from holiness (1 Corinthians 15:33)? 5. Message from Providence: Are doors opening smoothly, or are there repeated roadblocks like Jehoshaphat’s shattered ships? 6. Ministering Heart: Can I glorify Christ openly within this alliance, or must I mute my witness? Encouraging Models of God-Approved Partnerships • Moses and Aaron: distinct gifts, shared calling (Exodus 4:14–16). • David and Jonathan: loyalty rooted in covenant with the LORD (1 Samuel 18:1–4). • Paul and Silas: united in gospel mission, weathering trials together (Acts 16). Such pairings reveal that God delights to bless relationships centered on His glory. Summary Takeaways • God’s will is discerned by measuring every partnership against Scripture, prayerful dependence, and the pursuit of holiness. • Compromise, even with past warnings, invites loss; obedience secures lasting fruit. • The same Lord who shattered Jehoshaphat’s ships also prospers vessels launched in faithfulness—trust Him to guide, to warn, and to bless. |
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