What steps can you take to ensure God's will guides your actions today? Setting the Scene—Amaziah’s Wake-Up Call “But a man of God came to him and said, ‘O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites.’” (2 Chronicles 25:7) Amaziah was poised for battle, money already spent on mercenaries, when God stepped in and said, “Don’t go.” The king faced a choice that still speaks to us: will God’s will or our own plans set the agenda for today? Step 1: Open Your Ears to God’s Word First • Begin every day in Scripture. Let God’s voice be the first you hear (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Read with a heart ready to obey, not merely to collect information (James 1:22). Step 2: Welcome Godly Counsel • God sent a “man of God” to Amaziah; expect Him to use pastors, mentors, or friends steeped in Scripture (Proverbs 11:14; 19:20). • Weigh their advice by the Word; genuine counsel will never contradict Scripture (Acts 17:11). Step 3: Test Every Plan Against the Book • Ask, “Does this align with clear biblical commands and principles?” (Psalm 1:1–2). • If the Word says no, no amount of logic or profit can turn it into a yes (Isaiah 8:20). Step 4: Choose Obedience Over Opportunity • Amaziah had already paid the mercenaries, yet God ordered him to send them home (v. 10). Obedience sometimes means writing off sunk costs. • Jesus echoed this priority: “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Step 5: Trust God to Cover the Cost • When Amaziah worried about the lost silver, the prophet answered, “The LORD can give you much more than that” (v. 9). • God still funds His will (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8). Step 6: Guard Your Alliances • The issue in verse 7 was partnership with a nation out of step with God. • Evaluate business, dating, or ministry partnerships by 2 Corinthians 6:14: light and darkness do not mix. Step 7: Remain Teachable After the Victory • Amaziah obeyed at first, won the battle, but later turned to idols (25:14–16). Past obedience doesn’t guarantee future faithfulness. • Stay humble and responsive to correction (James 1:21; 1 Peter 5:6). Putting It All Together Daily habit checklist: 1. Word before work—read a passage, seek application. 2. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). 3. Invite trusted believers to speak into decisions. 4. Hold plans loosely; adjust when Scripture or counsel disagrees. 5. Release any plan that compromises obedience, even if it costs time or money. 6. Trust God’s provision and timing. 7. Review the day at night: where did He lead? where must you repent? Follow these steps and, like Amaziah at his best moment, you’ll find God’s will guiding your actions—not just in crisis decisions, but in the ordinary moments that make up today. |
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