How should we respond when our plans conflict with God's will, as in 2 Kings 23:29? Setting the scene “Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to meet the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River, and King Josiah marched out to confront him; but when Neco met him at Megiddo, he killed him.” – 2 Kings 23:29 When good intentions miss God’s direction • Josiah was a godly king with a history of reform, yet 2 Chronicles 35:22 says, “He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God.” • His nationalistic zeal and desire to defend Judah seemed noble, but he ignored a divine warning delivered through an unexpected messenger. • The result: a tragic death, national mourning, and momentum lost for the reforms he had championed. Key lessons when our agenda clashes with God’s agenda • God’s will is final authority. Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Motives do not override obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • God sometimes speaks through unlikely channels; dismissing them can prove costly. • Ignoring clear guidance invites discipline. Hebrews 12:9: “Shall we not much more submit to the Father of spirits and live?” Practical steps for realigning our plans 1. Recognize His sovereignty – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” 2. Pause and inquire instead of forging ahead – Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong… wait.” 3. Test plans against Scripture – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” 4. Invite the Spirit’s redirection – Acts 16:6-10 shows Paul’s itinerary changed by the Holy Spirit. 5. Seek godly counsel – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” 6. Hold plans loosely – James 4:13-15: “…You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” 7. Obey promptly when God’s will is clear – Matthew 26:39: “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” 8. Accept consequences with humility – 2 Samuel 15:26: David, ready for whatever outcome God decreed. The blessings of surrendered planning • Protection from unforeseen harm (Psalm 91:1). • Peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). • Fruitful, lasting work (John 15:5). • Assurance that His plans prosper us, not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). • Deeper intimacy with God through trust and obedience (John 14:21). Scriptures to memorize |
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