In what ways can we prioritize God's will over appealing opportunities today? The Scene at the Jordan Plain “Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered everywhere like the LORD’s garden and the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” – Genesis 13:10 Lot’s eyes locked on the most attractive piece of real estate he had ever seen. It promised instant prosperity, security, and comfort. Yet the green valley hid a city destined for judgment. Abram, by contrast, let God write the story of his future. Their divergent choices frame the question: How do we place God’s will above appealing opportunities today? Recognizing the Subtle Trap of “Well-Watered Plains” Today • Career moves that pay more but pull us from fellowship, marriage, or spiritual disciplines • Relationships that look exciting yet compromise purity or mission • Investments that promise fast returns but fund questionable ventures • Social media platforms that boost influence but dilute witness • Ministries that expand our platform but eclipse quiet obedience Appeal alone is never proof of God’s blessing. “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” – 1 John 2:17 Cultivating a Heart that Seeks God’s Direction First • Delight in Him, not the opportunity. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4 • Trust His wisdom above your analysis. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 • Renew the mind daily. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2 • Walk by faith, not sight. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 Practical Steps for Daily Decision-Making 1. Start with Scripture • Search for clear commands or principles that apply. • Refuse options that contradict what God has already spoken. 2. Pray and wait • Genuine surrender often surfaces when we pause long enough to hear God’s “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” • Psalm 25:5: “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” 3. Seek godly counsel • Invite mature believers who are not dazzled by the same glittering prospects. • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 4. Evaluate eternal impact • Will this move strengthen or weaken my walk, my family’s discipleship, and my gospel witness? • Hebrews 11:24-26 shows Moses rejecting palace privilege “because he was looking ahead to his reward.” 5. Hold everything loosely • James 4:15: “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” • Contentment protects us from idolizing opportunity (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Encouragement from Other Passages • Matthew 6:33 – Seek first His kingdom; needs will follow. • Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” • Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • John 10:4 – The Shepherd’s sheep know His voice and follow Him. Living Above the Lure of the Plain Appealing doors will always open; not all of them are God’s. Lot chose by sight and pitched his tent toward Sodom. Abram chose by faith and built an altar toward the LORD. Today, the same two paths stand before us. When we prize God’s presence over immediate gain, we discover that His portion is richer than any well-watered plain. |
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