How can we seek God's will in our decisions, unlike Samson's approach? Seeing Samson’s Misstep (Judges 14:3) “His father and mother said to him, ‘Isn’t there a woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?’ But Samson told his father, ‘Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.’ ” Samson’s desire outran discernment. He let personal attraction override God’s clear boundary regarding intermarriage with the Philistines (Exodus 34:15–16). His story gives us a vivid contrast for learning how to pursue God’s will wisely. Principle 1: Start with God’s Word, Not Personal Preference • Scripture is our first and final authority. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • If a choice violates any biblical command or principle, it cannot be God’s will—no matter how appealing it feels. • Ask, “What has God already said about this area?” before asking, “How do I feel about it?” Principle 2: Lean on the Lord, Not Your Own Understanding • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Samson leaned on sight: “She is pleasing to my eyes.” We’re called to lean on the Lord. • Practical step: Pause long enough to submit the decision to God, refusing to rush past prayer and Scripture. Principle 3: Seek Wise Counsel, Not Echo Chambers • Samson brushed off his parents’ warning. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” • Look for counselors who know Scripture and will tell you the truth, not just agree with you. • Invite them to challenge your assumptions; godly friction often protects us from foolish choices. Principle 4: Pray for Wisdom, Not Just a Yes-Answer • James 1:5 encourages: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” • Rather than praying, “Lord, give me what I want,” pray, “Lord, give me wisdom to want what You want.” • God’s “no” or “wait” is as loving as His “yes.” Principle 5: Align Desires through Surrender, Not Self-Indulgence • Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices and be transformed by renewing our minds, so we can “prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • When our hearts are yielded, God shapes desires so that what we want increasingly mirrors what He wills. • Checklist for surrender: – Is my motive to glorify God? – Will the outcome make me more like Christ? – Can I thank God wholeheartedly for this decision? Putting It All Together: A Simple Decision Grid 1. Scripture Check—Does it pass clear biblical commands and principles? 2. Prayerful Pause—Have I genuinely sought God’s face? 3. Counsel Confirmation—Do trusted believers affirm this direction? 4. Conscience Peace—Is the Spirit giving inner assurance, not mere excitement? (Colossians 3:15) 5. Fruit Projection—Will the likely results honor God and bless others? Encouragement for the Journey We are not left to guess God’s will. He delights in guiding willing hearts. Every time a crossroads appears, remember Samson’s lesson: resist the impulse to sprint after what merely looks good, and instead walk steadily in what God has clearly revealed to be good. |
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