What steps can we take to seek God's guidance before making decisions? Setting the Scene in Judges 20 Israel went to war with the tribe of Benjamin over the atrocity at Gibeah. Twice the nation asked the LORD whether to fight, and twice He permitted it—yet verse 25 records, “That same day the Benjamites cut down 18,000 Israelites, all armed with swords” (Judges 20:25). Only after a third approach—marked by deeper humility, fasting, and sacrifice—did victory come (20:26-35). What Went Wrong? • The people sought confirmation of their plan but never asked whether their hearts were right. • They moved quickly after a “yes” instead of lingering to receive God’s full strategy. • The first two inquiries lacked the repentance and dependence demonstrated the third time. Key Observations for Today • Hearing God’s approval on one detail does not replace ongoing reliance on Him for every detail. • Defeat is not always a sign of God’s absence; it can expose shallow seeking. • Genuine guidance is usually accompanied by humility, waiting, and obedience to God’s timing. Five Steps for Seeking God’s Guidance Before Decisions 1. Bring the decision into His presence early. — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). 2. Humble the heart through confession and surrender. — “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). 3. Linger until peace and clarity replace haste. — “All day long I wait for You” (Psalm 25:5). 4. Use Scripture as the primary filter. — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). 5. Confirm through persistent prayer, fasting, and counsel. — “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…” (Acts 13:2). Supporting Passages to Anchor Each Step • Trusting over leaning: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Asking for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). • Inquiring before action: “So David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go…?’” (1 Samuel 23:2). • Fasting with worship: “Then the Israelites…fasted that day until evening” (Judges 20:26). Bringing It Home Judges 20:25 reminds that even well-armed plans fall without wholehearted dependence on God. Before moving forward, pause to pray, repent, wait, align with Scripture, and seek confirmation. When these steps precede action, decisions rest not on human strength but on the sure guidance of the Lord who never misleads His people. |
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