How can we apply Jehoshaphat's experience to our decision-making processes today? Setting the Scene: Jehoshaphat’s Shipyard Lesson “Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.” (1 Kings 22:48) Parallel account: “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has shattered your works.” (2 Chronicles 20:37a) What Went Wrong • God-fearing king, yet chose partnership with an idolatrous neighbor (Ahaziah, son of Ahab). • Ambitious plan—profitable trade to Ophir. • God intervened: ships never left port, total loss. Principle 1: Seek the Lord First, Not Last • Jehoshaphat had previously shown how to inquire of God before battle (2 Chronicles 20:3–4). • Prosperity projects need the same dependence. • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD… He will make your paths straight.” Application: pause and pray before signing, launching, hiring, or scheduling. Principle 2: Guard Your Partnerships • 2 Chronicles 19:2 warns Jehoshaphat after helping Ahab: “Should you help the wicked…?” • New venture repeated the mistake with Ahab’s son. • 2 Corinthians 6:14—“Do not be unequally yoked.” Application: assess business, ministry, and personal alliances for shared values and spiritual integrity. Principle 3: Recognize God’s Protective “No” • Wrecked ships looked like failure; actually mercy—prevented deeper entanglement and future compromise. • Psalm 84:11—“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Application: when doors slam shut, thank God for safeguarding you from unseen harm. Principle 4: Obedience Determines Outcomes • Psalm 127:1—“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” • Jehoshaphat’s godliness did not exempt him from consequences of selective obedience. Application: whole-life submission, not compartmentalized spirituality. A Decision-Making Checklist Inspired by Jehoshaphat 1. Scripture first—Does God’s Word permit or forbid this step? 2. Prayerful inquiry—Have I sought the Lord’s counsel specifically about this? 3. God-honoring partners—Are collaborators walking in the fear of the Lord? 4. Motive check—Is the goal God’s glory or my gain? 5. Providential indicators—Am I forcing what God is closing? 6. Willingness to stop—If God says “No,” will I accept it immediately? Encouragement for Today Plans succeed when anchored in humble dependence on the Lord. Learn from Jehoshaphat’s shipyard: invite God into the blueprint, sail only with those who revere Him, and trust His wise disruptions more than your most promising opportunities. |
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