How should we respond when our plans are ignored, unlike Absalom's response? Setting the Scene: Absalom’s Fiery Reaction “Then Joab arose, went to Absalom at his house, and demanded, ‘Why have your servants set my field on fire?’” (2 Samuel 14:31) Absalom’s plan—to meet King David through Joab—was repeatedly ignored, so he forced the issue by burning Joab’s barley field. His impulsive act got attention, but it also revealed a heart that trusted manipulation more than God’s timing. What Went Wrong with Absalom? •He let hurt turn into anger rather than humility (Proverbs 29:11). •He chose a destructive shortcut instead of patient appeal (Proverbs 14:29). •He relied on human force, not divine favor (Psalm 37:7-8). A Better Way When Our Ideas Are Ignored •Slow down before reacting. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20) •Speak graciously, not explosively. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) •Seek counsel, not conspiracies. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) Steps Toward a Christlike Response 1.Recognize God’s hand in delays. “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21) 2.Pray instead of pushing. Jesus modeled this: “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39) 3.Communicate respectfully. Paul appealed to leaders “respectfully,” even under arrest (Acts 26:2-3). 4.Wait expectantly. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5) Remembering God’s Sovereignty Over Our Plans “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city…’ Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15) Example of Christ’s Patient Submission •When His brothers pressured Him to reveal Himself, He answered, “My time has not yet come.” (John 7:6) •He obeyed the Father’s timeline, not public demand (John 8:20). Practical Applications This Week •Write down a plan that feels stalled; surrender it to God in prayer daily. •Replace reactive words with Proverbs 15:1—memorize it, use it. •Encourage someone else’s idea at work or church to cultivate humility. •Review your schedule, asking, “Am I forcing doors God has closed?” By trusting God’s timing, speaking with grace, and refusing manipulative shortcuts, we honor the Lord and avoid Absalom’s fiery path. |
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