DON'T MOVE WITHOUT GOD’S INSTRUCTION

DON'T MOVE WITHOUT GOD’S INSTRUCTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 14:10, 14

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 32:8, James 1:5, Jeremiah 10:23

INTRODUCTION:
One of the most powerful qualities in David's leadership was his dependence on God for direction. Rather than acting on past success or personal assumptions, he constantly sought divine instruction before making any major move. This deliberate act of inquiry reveals a deep understanding that victory is not by might nor by power, but by divine guidance.

In today's world, decisions are often made in haste or by following trends. Many people, including believers, find themselves in trouble simply because they moved without seeking God's will. The consequences of such choices can be painful and far-reaching.

This Bible study is a timely reminder that every step we take must be under the instruction of God. It challenges us to develop a habit of consulting God in prayer and listening for His direction before taking steps in business, ministry, marriage, or any major area of life.

1. THE DANGER OF PRESUMPTION
a) Acting on past victories can be misleading
– Just because something worked before does not guarantee success without fresh instruction from God (Joshua 7:3-5).

b) Presumption invites unnecessary battles
– When we act without God’s direction, we expose ourselves to avoidable challenges (Numbers 14:44-45).

c) God wants to lead every step
– He is a Shepherd who leads us beside still waters, not one who simply blesses our own plans (Psalm 23:13).

d) Disobedience to divine guidance can bring delays
– The Israelites wandered for years because they failed to follow God's timing (Deuteronomy 1:41-46)

Biblical Example: King Saul lost his throne because he acted without waiting for God’s instruction through Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

2. THE POWER OF INQUIRING FROM GOD
a) Inquiry shows dependence and humility
– David's consistent prayers reveal a heart that relied completely on God (1 Chronicles 14:10).

b) God honours those who seek His counsel
– He promises to guide those who acknowledge Him in all their ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Direction brings divine backing
– When we move with God's instruction, His power and presence go with us (Exodus 33:14-15).
d) God speaks to those who listen
– He promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go (Psalm 32:8).

Biblical Example: David asked God before going to battle twice, and God gave him two different strategies (1 Chronicles 14:10, 14).

3. THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING GOD’S INSTRUCTION
a) Victory is guaranteed when God leads
– Success becomes sure when we follow His plan (Isaiah 48:17).
b) Divine instruction leads to supernatural results
– God's strategies always bring results beyond human ability (2 Kings 3:16–20).

c) Obedience positions us for continuous favour
– The obedient always enjoy God’s best (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

d) Peace and confidence come with divine direction
– When we hear God’s voice, we walk in boldness and peace (Isaiah 30:21).

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat followed God’s word through the prophet and experienced victory without fighting (2 Chronicles 20:15-22).

4. DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE OF SEEKING GOD FIRST
a) Make prayer a constant habit
– Always go to God first before going to anyone else (James 1:5).

b) Spend time in the Word to know His ways
– God often speaks through Scripture (Psalm 119:105).

c) Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit
– The Spirit of God guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

d) Surround yourself with godly counsel
– God can speak through wise spiritual mentors (Proverbs 11:14).

Biblical Example: Nehemiah sought God in prayer before speaking to the king and was divinely favoured (Nehemiah 1:4-11).

CONCLUSION:
We are called to walk by faith and not by sight, and part of that walk is seeking and obeying God’s instructions. Moving without Him is dangerous, but when we wait on His direction, our paths are ordered, our battles are won, and our lives bring Him glory.

Let us learn from David and develop a consistent pattern of inquiring from God. Trusting in His guidance is the surest way to live a victorious and purposeful life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to always wait for Your instruction before taking steps.
2. Father, deliver me from the spirit of presumption and self-will.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to be sensitive to Your voice and leading.
4. I reject every plan and step that is not ordained by God.
5. Lord, guide me in every decision I will take in my life and ministry.
6. Help me, Lord, to value Your direction above popular opinion.
7. Give me a heart like David that depends completely on You.
8. Let every wrong step I have taken be corrected by Your mercy.
9. Father, order my steps in righteousness and divine wisdom.
10. Lord, let Your presence always go with me in all I do.