In what ways can we seek God's direction in our plans today? Scripture Snapshot “ ‘By what way shall we go up?’ he replied. And he answered, ‘By way of the Wilderness of Edom.’ ” (2 Kings 3:8) Context: Plans Formed on Human Logic • Three kings—Israel’s Jehoram, Judah’s Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom—united against Moab. • Strategy came quickly: march through the arid Wilderness of Edom. • Water soon ran out, exposing how fragile purely human planning is (2 Kings 3:9). • Only then did they seek a prophet, and through Elisha the LORD provided guidance and victory (vv. 15-27). Ways to Seek God’s Direction in Our Plans Today 1. Scripture First • God’s Word is literal, accurate, and sufficient. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Regular reading keeps motives aligned with His revealed will. 2. Prayer for Wisdom • “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.” (James 1:5) • Prayer invites the Author of the plan to oversee every detail. 3. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • The Spirit applies Scripture to specific situations, nudging hearts toward or away from certain paths. 4. Godly Counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • Mature believers help test ideas against Scripture and guard against blind spots. 5. Immediate Obedience to Clear Instruction • Elisha said, “Make this valley full of ditches.” (2 Kings 3:16) • The command sounded illogical in a drought, yet obedience positioned them for miraculous supply. • Prompt compliance shows trust that God literally means what He says. 6. Confirmation through Peace • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) • Genuine, Spirit-given peace often settles after aligning decisions with Scripture, prayer, and counsel. 7. Persistent Commitment to Seek First His Kingdom • “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Kingdom priorities filter out selfish or short-sighted ambitions. Guardrails Against Self-Reliance • Refuse to lean on personal understanding alone (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Test every open door by the whole counsel of Scripture, not circumstances alone. • Remember that waiting is also guidance; silence can signal “stay put” until further notice. Putting It All Together • Start every plan in the pages of Scripture. • Pray, inviting God to override any idea outside His will. • Listen for the Spirit’s promptings while reading, praying, and interacting with others. • Consult trusted believers who handle the Word accurately. • Obey whatever God has already made clear, even if it stretches comfort zones. • Rest in Christ’s peace as He confirms the next step. • Keep priorities on advancing His kingdom, confident that literal promises stand unchanged. |
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