What steps can we take to seek God's guidance in decision-making? A Moment with Samuel “ ‘Give us a king to judge us.’ But when they said this, Samuel was displeased; so he prayed to the LORD.” — 1 Samuel 8:6 Learning from Samuel’s First Move - Samuel felt the weight of the people’s demand. - Instead of arguing, he immediately carried the whole matter to God. - His reflex sets the pattern for every follower of Christ who longs for clear direction. Step 1: Pray First, Pray Honestly - Straight-to-God prayer is the believer’s opening move. - God welcomes honesty: disappointment, confusion, even displeasure. - James 1:5: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” - Philippians 4:6-7 assures peace when requests are laid before Him. Step 2: Listen in Scripture - God’s voice is never at odds with His written Word. - Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” - Let daily reading expose motives, correct attitudes, and spotlight next steps. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 describes Scripture as the all-sufficient guide for every good work. Step 3: Examine the Heart Motives - Israel wanted to “be like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). - Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to search and reveal hidden motives. - Decisions gain clarity when selfish ambition or fear is confessed and forsaken. Step 4: Seek God-Centered Counsel - Samuel heard from God, then spoke God’s warning to the elders. - Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” - Choose counselors who love Christ and love you enough to tell inconvenient truth. Step 5: Weigh Consequences in Light of God’s Values - God listed the future costs of a human king (1 Samuel 8:11-18). - Wise decision-making scans downstream results—spiritual, relational, financial—and measures them against eternal priorities (Matthew 6:33). Step 6: Wait Patiently for Clarity - God answered Samuel, but not instantly for the people; waiting exposed their persistence. - Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” - Waiting seasons refine trust and keep impulsive choices in check. Step 7: Obey the Direction God Gives - Samuel anointed Saul when God said “listen to their voice” (1 Samuel 8:22). - Guidance is complete when it is followed. - Luke 11:28: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Step 8: Keep Christ as King over Every Choice - Israel’s quest for another king foreshadowed humanity’s deeper need for the true King. - Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” - Decisions guided by His lordship bear lasting fruit. Step 9: Rest in God’s Ongoing Shepherding - Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” - Confidence rises when the heart remembers that God not only directs but also accompanies. Practical Takeaways for Today • Start every decision with unfiltered prayer. • Feed daily on Scripture; let it be the plumb line. • Invite the Spirit to probe motives. • Gather counsel from mature believers. • Consider long-term consequences through a kingdom lens. • Wait until peace and clarity align. • Act in obedience, trusting Christ’s reign over results. |
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