In what ways can we seek God's favor like Jehoshaphat did? Seeking God Wholeheartedly – “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commands” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). – Pursue the Lord as your first and greatest love (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). – Guard against all rivals to His throne—status, relationships, entertainment, wealth, even ministry success. Walking in Practical Obedience – Jehoshaphat “walked in the way of David” (2 Chronicles 17:3). God’s favor rested on a track record of consistent obedience. – Start with what you already know: honesty at work, purity in relationships, integrity in finances, compassion to the vulnerable (James 1:27). – Obedience isn’t selective. Small, private acts matter just as much as public ones (Luke 16:10). Removing Idolatry from Our Sphere of Influence – He “removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah” (2 Chronicles 17:6). – Identify any practice, habit, or influence that dilutes wholehearted devotion—then tear it down. – In a home, this may look like setting healthy media limits or ending relationships that drag you from Christ (1 Corinthians 15:33). Investing in Biblical Teaching – Jehoshaphat sent officials and Levites “to teach in the cities… with the Book of the Law of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). – Soak in Scripture daily; let it reshape thinking and desire (Psalm 1:2-3). – Champion sound teaching in your church. Volunteer, resource, and pray for faithful discipleship. Trusting God for Protection, Not Compromise – As he honored the Lord, “the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms… none made war against Jehoshaphat” (2 Chronicles 17:10). – We need not win favor through compromise or manipulation. God can alter circumstances, soften opponents, and provide defense (2 Chronicles 20:15). Expecting God-Given Increase – “Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and a tribute of silver, and the Arabs brought him flocks” (2 Chronicles 17:11). – Blessing is God’s to give, not merit to earn. Yet He delights to honor faithfulness (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:8). – Increase may be financial, relational, or spiritual, but it always arrives to advance His glory. Using Influence for God’s Purposes – Jehoshaphat fortified cities and organized troops (2 Chronicles 17:12-19) so the nation could thrive in righteousness. – When God promotes you, leverage the platform to advance His kingdom—whether managing a classroom, a family, or a corporation (Colossians 3:17). Keeping Humility in Success – Later, Jehoshaphat nearly lost everything through a foolish alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18). His earlier humility safeguards us from presumption: “Seek the counsel of the LORD first” (18:4). – Continual dependency keeps favor flowing (1 Peter 5:6). Practical Takeaways for Today • Schedule daily, unhurried time with the Lord. • Audit heart and home for idols; remove what competes. • Engage actively in biblical teaching—listening, studying, and sharing. • Make obedience the baseline, not the exception. • Pray over decisions, waiting for God’s counsel before acting. • View every blessing as a stewardship for His mission. |
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