Inquiring of the Lord

Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, "Will you join me in fighting against Ramath-gilead?"  Then Jehoshaphat replied to King Ahab, "Why, of course!  But first let's find out what the Lord says."  (1 Kings 22:4-5)


Calling upon a prophet to inquire about the Lord's will on important issues was a common practice during Old Testament times.  After agreeing to help King Ahab, Jehoshaphat said, "But first let's find out what the Lord says."  What followed was a sequence of good advice and bad advice.  King Ahab called in his 400 prophets and asked, "Should I go to war against Ramath-gilead or not?"  They all replied, "Go right ahead!  The Lord will give you a glorious victory."  Apparently Jehoshaphat was not convinced.  He wanted further confirmation, so the prophet Micaiah was consulted.  King Ahab hated him because he never brought him good news.  He predicted the defeat and death of King Ahab.

   This passage teaches us that seeking the will of the Lord through the Bible and prayer is far more effective than following the advice of individuals who have no relationship with God.  Satan is astute at putting lying spirits in the minds of men to lead us down the wrong path.  We can rest assured that inquiring of the Lord or one of his prophets will bring to us sound advice and true wisdom.

   Who do you turn to when seeking answers to life's problems?  Do you trust wholly in the advice of a neighbor or friend?  Even Christians can give bad advice if they aren't in tune with the Lord.  When questions arise seek out the Lord for his counsel.