No Accident! (#355 of 365+)

Ahab was an evil king, more evil than all the previous kings had been. His wife, Jezebel, was a very bad influence on him. He learned to worship and serve Baal instead of the Lord God of Israel (1 Kings 16). When Ahab
couldn’t acquire a vineyard, Jezebel arranged for the owner to be stoned to death so the king could get what he wanted (1 Kings 21).

“The LORD has decreed disaster for you” (1 Kings 22:23)

The prophet Micaiah was imprisoned for saying those words to the king of Israel. Ahab was concerned at first but thought he was clever enough to escape the Lord’s intentions. When it was time to go into battle, someone else wore the kingly robes and Ahab dressed like a commoner. But the prophecy came true. Disaster struck exactly where he stood.

“But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told the chariot driver, ‘Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded.’ All day long the battle raged, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. Then at sunset he died” (2 Chronicles 18:33-34)

Once again I’m reminded how God is sovereign over every event in my life, both good and bad. If he could accomplish his perfect and divine will by using an enemy archer who aimed an arrow “at random,” then he will definitely have his way in my life as well. Whatever happens, I’ll still believe in his infinite love because of what Jesus Christ did. And when I don’t get what I want—even when I really, really want it—I’ll know it means the Lord must have something much better planned for me.

Lord, may your will—not mine—be done. I don’t always feel that way but I know with your Spirit’s help my heart will change. May I learn to be obedient and content so I won’t ever have to look back on this life with regret. Thank you for having the best of intentions for me and my family. I trust you completely and know you will accomplish your purposes—with or without my cooperation. May I see signs of your kingdom all around me, and may your indescribable joy in me spill over and touch someone else’s life today. Amen.