I Kings 2:15
‘So he said, “You yourself know that the kingdom was mine and that all Israel intended for me to be king; however, the kingdom has turned around and become my brother’s, for it was his from the LORD.”‘
Adonijah nearly became king. He saw an opportunity, recruited powerful people and had a banquet that was to launch his reign. He woke up that day with a smile. The problem was it wasn’t God’s will. He admits that here.
Jesus modeled the godly attitude in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done”. Adonijah was building his kingdom in defiance of God. That’s a fool’s desire. Jesus said in Matthew 7:26, “And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”
How do we know which desires are ours and which one’s are God’s? They must be consistent or not in opposition to God’s Word, the bible. The next test is about love. Are we snatching in a selfish way something from another? In Luke 14 Jesus delivered the parable of the invited guests. We aren’t take the best seat, but to take the lower one.
Another aspect is circumstances. God will put circumstances to block us, if we are pursuing something opposed to His will. If not in opposition, it may be to slow down. When we see these road blocks we should pray. “Lord, if You aren’t in this, let me know.” We can generally ask for His will in our lives.
God also works through the desires in our hearts. Philippians 2:13 says, “For God is the One working in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure.” As we walk with Him and are in His Word, He puts His will in our hearts. Not all of our desires are His will. We pray and ask.
To fear God is to want His will. Ask Him to put that healthy fear in us. Adonijah didn’t seem concerned about His will. Lord, help us to fear You and to want Your will in our lives.