SOAP 2 Chronicles 18: God Directed

God Directed

2 Chronicles 18

Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, ‘Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like on of them and speak favorably.’ But Micaiah said, ‘As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

2 Chronicles 18:12-13

Here we see that Ahab gathered 400 (false) prophets to speak victory over the attack he wanted to wage again Ramoth Gilead. He brought in Jehoshaphat who was held in high regard to agree with him. Jehoshaphat did agree but told Ahab to seek guidance from God first.

Seek God first……

Do we seek God first in all our decisions? Do we go to people who will tell us the truth no matter how “unpopular” it is knowing it is a biblical principle from God?

Or do we go to people we know will be in our corner and agree with whatever we want to not cause bad feelings?

We know we need to seek God and he will answer. The hard part is he does not always answer with what we want to hear. Or with affirmation of what WE want to do.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

I know for myself I want to be a Micaiah. I want to boldly speak what God tells me regardless of what others want. To listen to those who do speak God’s word and know that it may not be what I want to hear – but if I listen – the words from God will far supersede my plans or ideas.

Often, I feel more like Ahab – making decisions I know are not right – but feel good in that moment. Or maybe keep me from feeling at all. Fooling myself into thinking my actions “are not that bad”. And maybe they are not. And not hurting anyone else. But how much am I hurting myself by choosing that path?

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way in straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27

Father, thank you for the grace that I have your words in authority in the bible. Thank you for capturing my heart with the reality of your love and way. Let me remain faithful to your words. Let me find strength, comfort and courage in You to speak the truth at all times. Your words never change and I know you are with me in every challenge I face. Thank you for being my God through all things and bringing people into my life who will speak truth to me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.