In what ways can we seek God's will before making decisions like the Danites? Setting the Scene • Judges 18:11 records six hundred Danite warriors setting out from Zorah and Eshtaol. • Earlier (18:5-6) they asked Micah’s hired Levite to “inquire of God,” yet that Levite served in a house of idols. Their consultation was half-hearted and compromised. Where the Danites Fell Short • They relied on a priest who mixed true worship with carved images (Judges 17:4-5). • They sought a quick blessing instead of wholehearted submission. • They moved ahead with weapons drawn rather than waiting for unmistakable divine direction. • The result was conquest but also the planting of idolatry in Dan (Judges 18:30-31). Core Principles for Seeking God’s Will • Prayerful dependence: submitting motives and plans to the Lord. • Scripture saturation: letting God’s written Word set the boundaries. • Genuine obedience: readiness to follow even when His answer redirects ambitions. • Godly counsel: listening to faithful believers whose lives align with truth. • Patience: allowing time for God’s peace to confirm the path (Colossians 3:15). Practical Steps Before a Decision 1. Examine the heart in prayer. • Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God… lead me in the way everlasting.” 2. Search the Scriptures. • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 3. Ask for wisdom. • James 1:5 promises God “gives generously to all without finding fault.” 4. Invite trusted believers to speak truth. • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 5. Wait for God-given peace and clarity. • Isaiah 30:21 portrays God’s directing voice, “This is the way; walk in it.” 6. Obey promptly once direction is clear. • 1 Samuel 30:8 shows David inquiring, receiving instruction, and acting. Key Scriptures to Anchor Decisions • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go.” • Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Acts 1:24-26: the apostles praying before selecting Matthias. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips “for every good work.” Encouragement for the Journey Seeking God’s will is less a single event and more a lifestyle of continual surrender. Unlike the Danites, believers can walk confidently by grounding every decision in prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, and obedient faith, trusting the Lord to steer each step for His glory and our good. |
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