This request sounds good and wise. It sounds noble. They said they wanted to know God’s will and God’s way. They promised to do whatever God said. Verses 5 and 6 continue along this same line. 

Turn the page to Jeremiah 43:1, 2. In verse 2, you see the leaders’ response to God’s message: “You are speaking a lie! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to stay there for a while!’”

Read on. Chapters 43 and 44 declare the results of disobedience. It is not pretty. Preventable disaster was the consequence for these leaders and the people with them. 

Some things never change. 

Many are more interested in hearing God affirm their plans than seeking his. And then they wonder why God never answers their prayers. 

God laid out for these enquirers his will and his way. His will and way were the pathway to life. Their will and way were the pathway to disaster and death. They chose poorly. 

Sometimes God’s way is hard, but it is always right and it is always good. Give preference to the hard right thing if you want to live and thrive under God’s smile. Live a life God can bless rather than asking God to bless a life at odds with his plans and purposes. 

Our Father in heaven delights in answering our prayers. He answered the prayers of these people. They did not delight in God’s answer. Soon enough, they ran out of every delight they had ever known. 

When you pray seeking God’s will and God’s way, ask him not only for the path but also the strength to walk it. Remember well that where God guides, God provides. Take confidence that you never walk alone. Memorize Psalm 23 if you have not already. Know that the LORD is your Shepherd. You will not lack anything you need. He will take care of everything.

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