How can we seek God's guidance when facing difficult decisions like Ahab? Setting the scene “Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria.” (1 Kings 20:43) King Ahab had just spared Ben-hadad, the Syrian king God had delivered into his hand. By ignoring God’s clear directive, Ahab traded victory for frustration and went home heavy-hearted. His dilemma shows why we need God’s guidance before we choose. What went wrong for Ahab • He listened to flattery before listening to God (vv. 31-34). • He trusted a treaty more than the word of the LORD (cf. Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • He reacted out of wounded pride once confronted (vv. 38-43). The result: anger, discouragement, and a judgment pronounced in the very next chapter. Principles for seeking God’s guidance • Start with revealed truth. Scripture always outranks emotion or human counsel (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4). • Invite correction early. “Let a righteous man strike me—it is kindness” (Psalm 141:5). Ahab resisted the prophet; we need humble hearts. • Submit your plans, don’t just inform God of them (Proverbs 16:3; James 4:13-15). • Weigh every “open door.” Opportunity alone is never proof of divine approval (Acts 16:6-7). • Pursue wisdom in community. God often speaks through faithful believers (Proverbs 11:14). Practices to put into action 1. Daily Scripture intake – Read sequentially, ask what God is commanding, promising, warning, or revealing about Himself. 2. Focused prayer for wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Pray before deciding, not after acting. 3. Honest self-examination – Bring motives into the light (Hebrews 4:12-13; Psalm 139:23-24). 4. God-honoring counsel – Seek input from mature believers who handle the Word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). 5. Obedient follow-through – Guidance is given to be obeyed. “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). Promises to encourage us • “The LORD will guide you always” (Isaiah 58:11). • “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8). • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Closing reflections Ahab’s story warns us that neglecting God’s voice leads to restless hearts and broken outcomes. By anchoring every decision to Scripture, seeking wisdom in prayer and community, and obeying promptly, we can experience the steady direction God delights to give. |
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