Knowing The Strategy

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  Matt.7:7,8  (NKJV)

    Most likely, you wont become a champion at chess just by watching the wordless players play.  It’s all about knowing the strategy of plots and counter plots.  So it is with God’s plan for our lives and especially to avoid Satan’s temptations to sin against God.  The Lord used Habakkuk and Zephaniah to reveal His strategy for Judah and His will for them.

Read:  Habakkuk 2:1,2 

   God wants you to ask for advice!  James said...” you have not because you ask not”

I  How To Request Guidance

 1.)  I must realize that God cares about the details of my life

            Matthew 6:31,32 NIV  don’t worry- He knows our needs

He is interested  because He is your heavenly Father and He made you for His purpose and to have fellowship with Him.

  2.)  You need to ask a specific question  (in chapter I, Habakkuk asked six!)

            James 1:5 (LB) God will not chide you for asking: Help me now,

What’s the next step, what should I do here, how should I do it ?

II  Expect Guidance From God 

  1.)  Believe He wants to answer you

            Jeremiah 33:3 call unto me... ;   Psalms 91:15 ...I will deliver him

  Psalms 18:6  He heard my voice...     Ask Him how HE wants you to handle the situation that will honor Him above yourself

  2.)  Withdraw yourself and wait 

  Habakkuk says, “I will climb my watchtower...”  find a quiet place

Wait and listen, then write down His answer and plan for you.

            Luke 5:16  Jesus got away and prayed to His Father

            Psalms 46:1,10  Be still and contemplate that I am God

            Psalms 5:1-3  ...”every morning I tell You what I need...(NIV)

  3.)  Give thanks for His attention to your needs:

God, I've heard what our ancestors say about you, and I'm stopped in my tracks, down on my knees. Do among us what you did among them. Work among us as you worked among them. And as you bring judgment, as you surely must,  remember mercy.     Hab. 3:2 (Msg)