2 Chronicles 18:12, 13  Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.” But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what my God says.” (NLT)

2 Chronicles‬ ‭18‬:‭15  But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?” (NLT)

2 Chronicles 18:23  Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the Lord leave me to speak to you?” he demanded. (NLT)

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Some people only want to hear what they want to hear.

Some people only hear what they want to hear, no matter what is actually said.

Some people hear the truth they are seeking and then continue seeking alternatives.

Some people will not hear what they should hear when the truth is spoken plainly and directly.

Results?

If we only hear what we want to hear, we don’t hear what we need to hear. This leads to failure.

If we only listen to what we want to be true instead of what is going to be true, we will fail.

If we hear the truth and choose to continue seeking other alternatives, we delude ourselves and end up in a failed state of being once again.

Here is the positive alternative: Seek God’s truth. Hear God’s truth. Trust God’s truth. Align yourself with God’s truth. Live with the results only God can give.

Ahab didn’t align himself with the truth. He died.

Jehoshaphat aligned himself with the truth. He lived. (See 2 Chronicles 20.)

Here’s how to keep from dying a little today: Seek God. Trust God. Align yourself with God. Praise God for doing what only he can do, and for making happen what only he can make happen.

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I will seek God, trust God, and align my life with his direction.

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Our Father, King David tells us how to master life with a simple verse that helps us integrate the lessons of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. Psalm 143:8 is my daily prayer: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Amen.