“And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that he sent me to tell you” (Jeremiah 42:21 ESV).
The remnant that remained in Jerusalem after its fall to Babylon came to Jeremiah asking him to pray to God concerning their plan to escape to Egypt. They begged him to pray to the Lord on their behalf, committing to do whatever the Lord instructed. Yet even as Jeremiah declared God’s response, he predicted their disobedience.
Apparently, the people only wanted God’s approval for their plans. When Jeremiah told them that they would die if they went to Egypt, but live if they remained in Jerusalem, they rejected his godly counsel and left for Egypt anyway.
Many people today are like this. They don’t really want to hear and obey the Word of the Lord. They just want the Lord to bless the plans and choices they have already made. Not many will actually repent of their rebellious choices and turn to follow the Word of God.
What are you planning today? Are you asking the Lord to bless your plans or to direct your path? Are you wanting the Lord to bless your own plans, or seeking the Lord’s will even if it means going against your own desires? Will you follow the Lord no matter what? For following the Lord and His Word is the plan that God blesses.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for going our own way without seeking Your will first. We lay our plans before You this day, but not without seeking Your will. Lead, guide and direct our steps. We want to walk by faith according to Your Spirit’s guidance and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.