In what ways can we seek God's guidance in decision-making like Hezekiah? Setting the Scene — 2 Chronicles 32:31 “God left him to test him and to know what was in his heart”. Hezekiah faced a diplomatic decision when Babylonian envoys arrived. God temporarily stepped back, allowing the king’s response to reveal whether his heart would seek divine direction or rely on human calculation. Lessons From What Went Wrong • Self-reliance surfaced. Hezekiah proudly displayed his treasures (Isaiah 39:1-4). • Lack of consultation. Unlike earlier crises, he did not pray or seek prophetic counsel. • Missed opportunity to glorify God. The miracle of his healing was discussed, yet he highlighted riches, not the Redeemer (2 Kings 20:12-13). Positive Patterns From Earlier Victories Hezekiah did know how to seek God; earlier episodes show the right approach: • Went straight to prayer (2 Kings 19:14-19). • Brought the matter into the house of the LORD (physical posture of surrender). • Sought godly counsel from Isaiah (2 Kings 19:2). • Believed God’s word and waited for His answer (2 Kings 19:20-34). These steps contrast sharply with the Babylonian envoy incident and provide a template for us. Practical Ways to Seek Guidance Today • Spread the matter before the Lord. Verbally lay out the details, as Hezekiah spread Sennacherib’s letter (2 Kings 19:14). • Anchor every decision in Scripture. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Ask for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5). • Listen for the Spirit’s prompting. “Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). • Seek mature, godly counsel. Hezekiah turned to Isaiah; we are urged to seek “abundance of counselors” (Proverbs 15:22). • Examine motives. God tests hearts (1 Chronicles 28:9). Ask: Will this decision showcase God’s greatness or my own? • Wait for clear confirmation. Hezekiah received a prophetic word and a sign (2 Kings 20:8-11). Patience guards against impulsive choices. • Maintain humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Pride blinds; humility hears. Guarding the Heart When God Seems Silent • Remember that silence can be a test, not abandonment (2 Chronicles 32:31). • Use the pause to reaffirm trust. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Keep obeying known truth while awaiting new direction (Psalm 37:34). Promises to Steady Us • “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). • “The LORD will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11). Summary Hezekiah’s mixed record teaches that seeking God’s guidance is not an occasional emergency measure but a continual posture: approach in prayer, filter choices through Scripture, consult godly voices, watch pride, and wait confidently for the Lord’s leading. |
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