How can we discern God's will in political changes today, like Hadad's return? Hadad’s Return and Our Headlines Today “When Hadad heard in Egypt that David rested with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, he said to Pharaoh, ‘Let me go, that I may return to my own country.’” (1 Kings 11:21) Hadad resurfaced at precisely the moment God had ordained to confront Solomon’s drifting heart. Political tides were instruments in the Lord’s hand then, and they still are today. Why God Allows Shifts in Power • To fulfill His promises • Genesis 12:2–3—nations rise and fall to bless or curse Abraham’s offspring. • To discipline or awaken His people • 1 Kings 11:14—“Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite.” • To display His sovereignty to the watching world • Daniel 2:21—“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” Discerning His Will in Modern Upheavals 1. Begin with Scripture, not headlines. • Psalm 119:105—His Word is the lamp for interpreting events. 2. Look for God’s consistent patterns. • Judges cycle: sin → oppression → cry out → deliverance. • Hadad mirrors this rhythm, reminding us that God still redirects nations to bring His people back. 3. Evaluate leaders by God’s revealed standards. • Exodus 18:21—ability, fear of God, trustworthiness, hatred of dishonest gain. • Compare policies and character, not personalities alone. 4. Seek the Spirit’s confirmation. • John 16:13—He guides into all truth, including civic decisions. • Peace and conviction must align with the written Word. 5. Watch for fruit over time. • Matthew 7:17—“Every good tree bears good fruit.” • Track outcomes—are justice, righteousness, and freedom increasing? Practical Steps When Governments Shift • Pray for those in authority—1 Timothy 2:1–2. • Practice active citizenship—Romans 13:1–7 balances submission with conscience. • Refuse fear—Isaiah 41:10 assures God’s steady hand. • Anchor hope in the unshakable kingdom—Hebrews 12:28. The Takeaway Hadad’s return wasn’t random; it was God’s precise tool for His larger redemptive plan. Likewise, present political changes are never outside His control. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, testing spirits, and watching for godly fruit, we can discern His will and walk confidently, no matter who occupies a throne or office. |
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