How does Judges 1:14 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in decisions? Achsah’s Request, A Model of Seeking Guidance Judges 1:14 records, “When she came to him, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. And as she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, ‘What do you desire?’” Achsah does more than secure land; she illustrates the heart posture of seeking direction before acting. Observing the Scene in Judges 1:14 • Achsah urges her husband Othniel to approach Caleb first, showing respect for rightful authority and a willingness to wait for approval. • She dismounts—an act of humility—before speaking, emphasizing reverence in the request. • Caleb’s question, “What do you desire?” echoes God’s open invitation for His children to bring their needs (Matthew 7:7). Why Asking First Matters • Affirms dependence: Like Achsah, believers confess they cannot secure blessings on their own (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Avoids presumption: By seeking Caleb’s word, she avoids grasping land by self-will; Israel’s leaders suffered when they “did not seek counsel of the LORD” (Joshua 9:14). • Receives better provision: Caleb grants her the “upper and lower springs” (v. 15). Guidance often unlocks more than we imagined (Ephesians 3:20). Principles for Our Decision-Making Today • Pause before acting; invite God into the decision. • Approach with humility, acknowledging His sovereignty. • Believe He welcomes the request and will respond (James 1:5). • Expect guidance that provides both what we asked and what we did not know to ask—His “springs.” Supporting Passages That Echo the Point • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” • Isaiah 30:21 — “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • 1 Samuel 30:8 — David “inquired of the LORD” before pursuing the Amalekites and recovered all. Putting It into Practice • Begin each decision, big or small, with deliberate inquiry of God’s will. • Wait for His answer—through Scripture, godly counsel, and the peace of the Spirit—before proceeding. • Celebrate His response, knowing it comes from a Father eager to give “good gifts” to His children (Matthew 7:11). |
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