In what ways can we seek God's guidance before making decisions like Hezekiah's? Hezekiah’s Moment of Crisis “Then King Hezekiah of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish: ‘I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me.’ And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.” (2 Kings 18:14) Hezekiah faced a towering enemy and chose to surrender treasury wealth to avoid destruction. His instinct was self-preservation rather than immediate consultation with the LORD. Learning from his example, Scripture lays out clear ways we can seek God’s guidance before pivotal decisions. Start with Humble, Honest Prayer • Psalm 25:4-5—“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” Approach God first, acknowledging dependence and requesting wisdom instead of defaulting to human calculation. Search the Scriptures for Timeless Principles • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—All Scripture equips for “every good work,” including decision-making. Regular immersion allows God’s revealed will to shape our options and expose motives. Seek Godly Counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Acts 15:1-22—Early church leaders weighed issues together under God’s authority. Invite mature believers who know Scripture to speak truthfully, rather than echoing personal fears or ambitions. Pause for Spiritual Discernment • Isaiah 30:15—“In repentance and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength.” • Philippians 4:6-7—Prayer with thanksgiving brings the peace of God to guard hearts and minds. Create space to listen, allowing the Spirit to confirm or redirect initial plans. Evaluate Motives in Light of God’s Character • 1 Samuel 16:7—God “looks at the heart.” • Hebrews 4:12—The Word discerns thoughts and intentions. Ask: Does this choice honor God or simply avoid discomfort? Hezekiah’s payment avoided immediate conflict but forfeited sacred treasure and emboldened the Assyrian threat. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness • 2 Kings 19:35—God later struck down 185,000 Assyrians when Hezekiah finally relied on Him. • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the works of the LORD.” Rehearsing prior deliverances strengthens faith to trust Him again instead of grasping at quick fixes. Submit the Final Decision to God’s Sovereignty • Proverbs 16:3—“Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.” • Luke 22:42—“Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” After thorough seeking, act in obedience and leave outcomes to the One who governs kings and kingdoms. Putting It Together Before decisions—financial, relational, vocational—follow this pattern: 1. Pray humbly. 2. Search Scripture diligently. 3. Counsel with wise believers. 4. Listen quietly. 5. Test motives. 6. Recall God’s past help. 7. Commit the plan to Him. Through these steps we invite the same God who rescued Judah to guide our choices today. |
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