How can we apply Hazael's approach to seeking wisdom in our daily lives? The Snapshot in 2 Kings 8:9 “So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift—forty camel-loads of every good thing of Damascus. He came and stood before him and said, ‘Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, “Will I recover from this illness?” ’ ” What Stands Out About Hazael’s Quest for Insight • He recognized a need: the king’s life-and-death question. • He sought the right source: the prophet who spoke for God. • He approached with reverence and generosity—forty camel-loads showed honor, not bribery. • He asked a clear, specific question. • He waited for the prophet to speak before acting. Translating These Principles into Our Routine 1. Recognize our daily need for wisdom. • “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…” (James 1:5) • Wise living begins by admitting we don’t have all the answers. 2. Seek God’s authoritative voice. • Scripture is our sure prophetic word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Solid counsel from mature believers echoes that word (Proverbs 11:14). 3. Come with reverence and a willing heart. • Approach the “throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) yet with humility, ready to obey. • Our “gift” today is surrendered time, attention, and obedience (Romans 12:1). 4. Ask specifically. • “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). • Name the decision, the relationship, the temptation—clarity sharpens our listening. 5. Wait and listen. • “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). • Slow down long enough to let Scripture, wise counsel, and the Spirit confirm direction. Practices That Keep the Pattern Alive • Daily reading plan—hearing the prophet’s voice in Scripture before hearing any other voices. • Journaling specific requests and the verses or counsel that answer them. • Setting aside “firstfruits” time each morning as a modern “camel-load” of honor. • Periodic fasts from media-noise to sharpen spiritual hearing. • Regular fellowship where truth can be tested and affirmed (Acts 2:42). Final Encouragement Trust that the God who guided Hazael through His prophet delights to guide you through His Word today: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). |
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