Bible Daily

Aligning with God's Will: The Path to Divine Blessings

In the journey of faith, aligning with God's will is paramount for receiving His blessings. This alignment, as depicted in the Bible, involves readiness, focus, and persistent action, transforming life's adversities into opportunities for divine favor.

The Necessity of Trials

Trials and tribulations are not merely obstacles but divine invitations to seek a closer relationship with God. King David in Psalm 119:67 and 71 reflects on the benefits of affliction, stating, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word...It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." These trials push us towards God, reminding us of His sovereignty and our need for His guidance.

Biblical Examples of Alignment

The story of King Jehoash and the prophet Elisha provides a vivid illustration of how to align with God's will. Facing overwhelming threats, Jehoash sought Elisha's counsel:

“Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. ‘My father! My father!’ he cried. ‘The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’ Elisha said, ‘Get a bow and some arrows,’ and he did so. ‘Take the bow in your hands,’ he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. ‘Open the east window,’ he said, and he opened it. ‘Shoot!’ Elisha said, and he shot. ‘The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!’ Elisha declared. ‘You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.’ Then he said, ‘Take the arrows,’ and the king took them. Elisha told him, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.’ Elisha died and was buried” (2 Kings 13:14-20).

Steps to Divine Alignment

  1. Get Ready – Find God's Promise

    • Just as Jehoash prepared by seeking God's word through Elisha, we must find promises in scripture that counteract our problems. This readiness involves arming oneself with faith and God's assurances.

  2. Aim – Focus on What Matters

    • Elisha instructed Jehoash to open the east window, symbolizing the need to focus on the most significant threats or issues. In our lives, this means prioritizing what God deems important, not getting distracted by lesser concerns.

  3. Fire – Act Persistently

    • The act of shooting the arrow signifies taking action. Jehoash's failure to strike the ground repeatedly showed a lack of persistence, which limited his victory. We must persist in our faith, actions, and prayers, not stopping until God's promises are fulfilled.

The Importance of Persistence

Elisha's frustration with Jehoash underscores the necessity of steadfastness. Persistence in faith and action ensures that we fully receive God's blessings. As James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Conclusion

Aligning with God's will requires us to be ready with His word, aim at what He deems crucial, and fire with relentless faith and action. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive not just victory over our immediate battles but an overflow of divine blessings. Remember, in the race of faith, it's not just about starting strong but finishing with unwavering commitment to God's directives.