How can Isaiah 22:16 guide us in seeking God's will over personal plans? The Historical Snapshot Isaiah 22:16 records God’s rebuke of Shebna, Jerusalem’s steward, who was busy carving an impressive tomb for himself when the nation faced looming judgment: “‘What are you doing here, and who authorized you to carve out a tomb for yourself here—cutting your tomb on the height and chiseling your resting place in the rock?’” The Heart Issue Exposed • Shebna’s priority was personal legacy, not covenant faithfulness. • He invested time, resources, and influence in a monument that glorified himself. • God’s question, “Who authorized you?” highlights misplaced authority; Shebna acted on self-will rather than divine commission. • The context (vv. 17-19) shows God would remove him and replace him with Eliakim. Self-driven plans, no matter how grand, crumble when God is left out. Principles for Seeking God’s Will Over Personal Plans • Recognize God’s ownership: our position, resources, and future belong to Him (Psalm 24:1). • Submit ambitions to His authority—ask first, “Who authorized this?” (cf. Proverbs 16:3). • Evaluate motives: Am I building my name or God’s? (Philippians 2:3-4). • Remember the brevity of life; legacy built apart from God is hollow (James 4:13-15). • Treasure obedience over image. God honors faithfulness, not self-promotion (1 Samuel 15:22). Action Steps for Today 1. Pause before major decisions; invite Scripture and prayer to veto or confirm plans. 2. Hold calendars loosely—let God revise schedules, re-direct careers, or relocate you if it advances His kingdom. 3. Redirect resources from self-glory projects to kingdom service: missions, mercy, discipleship. 4. Surround yourself with believers who will ask, “Did God authorize that?” and not just applaud ambition. 5. Daily confess, “Lord, this platform, paycheck, or possession is Yours; direct it as You please.” Scriptures That Echo the Lesson • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Luke 12:20 — God calls the self-focused planner “fool,” reminding us true security is in Him. • James 4:15 — “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” • Colossians 3:17 — Whatever you do, do it in Jesus’ name, giving thanks to the Father. |
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