How can we discern God's will when questioned about our actions? Framing the Moment in Hezekiah’s Life “Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked him, ‘What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?’ ‘They came from a distant land,’ Hezekiah replied, ‘from Babylon.’” (2 Kings 20:14) Why This Verse Guides Our Discernment • Isaiah’s question presses Hezekiah to examine both his words and motives. • The scene shows that when God’s messenger probes us, it is not to shame but to reveal truth. • Discerning God’s will often begins when He graciously interrupts our self-confidence with a searching inquiry. First Steps When Our Actions Are Questioned 1. Pause and listen rather than defend. • Proverbs 18:13—“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” 2. Trace your motive honestly. • Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me…” 3. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty over every conversation. • Daniel 2:22—“He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness…” Anchoring Our Response in Scripture • Return to clear commands already given. – Psalm 119:105—God’s Word is the lamp that exposes wrong turns. • Weigh counsel that aligns with Scripture. – Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Invite the Holy Spirit’s illumination. – John 16:13—He guides into “all truth,” exposing any self-deception. Practical Marks of God-Honoring Discernment • Transparency: give full, not partial, answers (contrast Hezekiah’s selective reply). • Humility: accept correction without resentment—Hebrews 12:11. • Repentance when needed: 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing as we confess. • Gratitude for those who press us to clarity—Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Guardrails for Future Decisions • Keep stewardship in view: everything we show or give others should serve God’s purposes (2 Kings 20:15-17 warns of future loss). • Test intentions against Christ’s honor—Colossians 3:17. • Pray for wisdom beforehand—James 1:5—so later questions won’t uncover hidden folly. Living the Lesson Today When our choices are examined, God is offering a mirror. Like Isaiah with Hezekiah, His Spirit asks, “What really happened, and why?” If we welcome that question, submit to Scripture, and adjust our course, we discern His will and walk in clarity instead of confusion. |
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