FAITH CAPSULE: Do not be compelled by the agents of the enemy let God be in charge of your decisions.
1 Kings 22:1-40
What is it that is compelling you, pushing you to be making negative decision over your life? In most cases, the combination of hate and fear can be a compelling force that makes man end up as a victim of enemy. The combination of hate and fear is a branch of pride. Having hate or fear is not of God. Fear is an opposite of faith. When fear strikes faith sink but when faith rises fear sink. It is worthy to settle and search the heart and know if the source of decision making is the evidence of the combination of hate and fear.
Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went to visit Ahab the king of Israel when Ahab requested Jehoshaphat to go with him to fight at Ramoth Gilead. In response to Ahab, Jehoshaphat redirected Ahab to inquire for the word of the Lord. King Ahab could not resolved to suggestion of inquiring for the word of God but responded to Jehoshaphat stating, “So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!” “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.”” (1 Kings 22:8) Indeed, hate surfaced in the life of Ahab by avoiding truth from the prophet of God. Ahab settled to inquire from prophet-liars that prophesied lying which propelled Ahab to go for his fight at Ramoth Gilead.
When it was time for Ahab and Jehoshaphat to go and fight at Ramoth Gilead, King Ahab suggested about going to the fight stating, “And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.” (1 Kings 22:30) Fear of King Ahab was rooted in his disguise. A failure for King Ahab by not inquiring the truth because of hate led him to ride on prophet-liars word by going to fight in disguise. Jehoshaphat went along with Ahab to fight without disguise.
Are you truly looking up to God or are you allowing hate and fear take charge over your decision making? King Ahab felt compelled to allow hate as he discharged truth; he put on fear by disguising as he went to fight. Ahab died in the place of hate and fear while Jehoshaphat returned alive as he turned to truth before going to fight.
Hating others, allowing fear is a way of becoming a victim of enemy. Do not be compelled by the agents of the enemy let God be in charge of your decisions.
Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace to trust in Him with all my heart.