First Find Out . . . - The One Year Sweet and Simple Moments with God Devotional

Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the LORD says.”

1 Kings 22:5

Jehoshaphat had a good idea. When I read these true accounts of kings and battles, of victories and defeats throughout God’s Word, I feel like putting on my pink army boots. I am reminded that even though I don’t have a chariot and a sword, I am fighting some personal battles, just as you probably are. It doesn’t matter if the battles are big or small; they all require us to make decisions.

This fascinating chapter begins with a three-year blessing of peace between the nation of Israel and its neighbors. During this time Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, visited King Ahab of Israel. Ahab was readying plans to lay siege to Ramoth-gilead, which he believed rightfully belonged to Israel. Ahab asked Jehoshaphat if he would go into battle with him against the king of Aram.

As I read it, I started thinking, Good idea. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). But then I cheered for Jehoshaphat because I loved his reply to Ahab: “First let’s find out what the LORD says.” Jehoshaphat had a much better idea than Ahab!

When you and I have decisions to make, it’s important for us to first find out what God says. We need to lay our own hearts and plans on the table, more for our benefit than God’s, because He already knows we need help and He sees what is on the other side of our decision. More true is that He sees all sides of the decision.

We need to be sure we are listening to His wise commands in Scripture. God will never go against His Word or tell us to do something contrary to it. With the Holy Spirit’s power, we are never alone in battle. Our assignment is to surrender to His strategy and obey whatever practical steps He shows us, realizing that the fight is under His control. When we listen to His battle plan, we can be confident that the victory is not on our shoulders—it’s on His, and He always wins!

When you need to make a decision, first find out what the Lord says! Keep in step with Him as He leads you from battle to battle. Review Ephesians 6:10-17 to become familiar with how God equips you for all the big and small skirmishes in life.