What steps can we take to actively seek God's guidance in leadership? The Scene under the Pomegranate Tree “Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men.” (1 Samuel 14:2) Saul’s posture—sitting, surrounded by soldiers, yet inactive—illustrates a danger for every leader: settling into comfort instead of seeking God’s direction. Step 1 — Refuse to Park in Comfort • A leader who stops moving with God stops hearing from God. • Jonathan, in the same chapter, presses forward (14:6); Saul stays put. • Keep your heart stirred: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Step 2 — Seek God First and Continually • Daily prioritize time alone with the Lord—before meetings, strategies, or decisions. • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Leadership stalls when devotion cools. Step 3 — Listen to His Word as Final Authority • Scripture must shape every decision. • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Open the Bible with specific questions and stay until the text answers. Step 4 — Pray for Wisdom, Expect an Answer • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Pray, then watch circumstances, Scripture, and inner conviction align. Step 5 — Invite Godly Counsel • “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Seek counsel from those who know and obey Scripture; ignore voices that only echo comfort. Step 6 — Obey Promptly, Even When Risk Appears High • Jonathan models faith: “Come, let us cross over… perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6) • Delayed obedience is disobedience. Move when God says move. Step 7 — Evaluate by Fruit, Not Feelings • Jesus: “You will recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16) • Look for righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) as evidence you are still on God’s track. Putting It All Together 1. Stay spiritually restless for more of God. 2. Put seeking Him first in every day and decision. 3. Anchor yourself in Scripture. 4. Pray expecting clear wisdom. 5. Lean on proven, godly voices. 6. Act in faith, promptly. 7. Measure progress by biblical fruit. Follow these steps, and you will not be found idle under a pomegranate tree when the Lord is calling you forward. |
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