The power of choices: walking in God's wisdom

Every day, we make countless choices. From the moment we wake up and decide what to wear, to the food we eat and the words we speak, our lives are a series of decisions. While many of these choices may seem insignificant, others have the power to shape our lives and even our eternity.

The story of King Ahaz in the book of Isaiah provides a compelling illustration of the consequences of our choices. Faced with the threat of invasion from the allied forces of Israel and Syria, Ahaz had a critical decision to make. Would he trust in God's promise of protection, or would he rely on his own wisdom and the strength of earthly alliances?

God, in His mercy, sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz with a message of reassurance. He even offered to provide a sign of His faithfulness, telling Ahaz to ask for anything he desired as proof. Yet, in a show of false piety, Ahaz refused to "test the Lord." This refusal wasn't born of genuine reverence, but rather a reluctance to engage with God's offer of help.

Despite Ahaz's rejection, God provided a sign anyway – the famous prophecy of Immanuel. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy, while pointing to the future coming of Christ, also had immediate significance for Ahaz's situation.

Instead of trusting in God's promise, Ahaz chose to place his faith in the king of Assyria. He stripped the temple of its gold and silver, sending it as a bribe to secure Assyrian military support. This decision, while seemingly pragmatic, set in motion a chain of events that would have dire consequences for Judah.

God, through Isaiah, warned that the very nation Ahaz was trusting would become like a flood, overwhelming Judah and reaching "up to the neck." This vivid imagery portrayed the devastating impact of Ahaz's misplaced trust. The Assyrians, after dealing with Israel and Syria, would turn their attention to Judah, bringing destruction to the very doorstep of Jerusalem.

This account serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our decision-making. How often do we, like Ahaz, rely on our own understanding or the advice of the world, rather than turning to God for guidance?

The prophet Isaiah provides a stark contrast to Ahaz's approach. In the face of uncertainty and fear, Isaiah declares, "I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." This statement of faith demonstrates the proper response to life's challenges – patient trust in God's wisdom and timing.

Isaiah goes on to warn against the folly of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, a practice that was apparently common in his day. He poses a profound question: "Should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" This challenge resonates just as strongly today. In our search for direction and meaning, do we turn to God's Word and seek His face in prayer, or do we look to other sources that cannot truly satisfy?

The consequences of rejecting God's wisdom are severe. Isaiah paints a grim picture of those who choose to walk in darkness: "Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God." This description serves as a warning of the spiritual and emotional turmoil that awaits those who reject God's guidance.

So how can we make wise choices that honor God and lead to blessing? Here are some key principles to consider:

1. Seek God First: Before making any significant decision, take time to pray and search the Scriptures. Ask God for wisdom and direction.

2. Be Patient: Unlike Ahaz, who rushed into an ill-advised alliance, we must learn to wait on God's timing. Cultivate the ability to be still and listen for His voice.

3. Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel: While ultimately our trust should be in God, He often speaks through other believers. Seek advice from mature Christians who can offer biblical perspective.

4. Examine Your Motives: Are your choices driven by fear, like Ahaz, or by faith in God's promises? Be honest about the underlying reasons for your decisions.

5. Consider the Long-Term Impact: Look beyond immediate circumstances to consider how your choices might affect your spiritual life and relationship with God in the long run.

6. Trust God's Promises: Remember that God is faithful to His word. When faced with uncertainty, cling to the promises found in Scripture.

7. Learn from Past Mistakes: If you've made poor choices in the past, use those experiences as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God's grace.

The story of Ahaz serves as a cautionary tale, but it's also a reminder of God's incredible patience and faithfulness. Despite Ahaz's rebellion, God still preserved a remnant of His people, ultimately fulfilling His promise to David of an everlasting kingdom through Jesus Christ.

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we learn from both the failures of Ahaz and the faith of Isaiah. Let us cultivate a habit of seeking God in every decision, big or small. By doing so, we position ourselves to experience the peace, wisdom, and blessing that come from walking in step with our Creator.

In a world filled with uncertainty and conflicting voices, the choice is ours. Will we, like Ahaz, trust in our own understanding and earthly alliances? Or will we, like Isaiah, declare "I will wait for the Lord... I will put my trust in him"? The path we choose will not only impact our own lives but also our ability to be a light in a dark world, pointing others to the ultimate source of wisdom and hope.