Daily Devotional for May 23, 2011

Proverbs 20:18
Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Often, I will see a post on Facebook from someone planning a trip… “Where’s a good place to stay in Destin?” “How was the weather at Such-and-Such destination last week?” “What are the gas prices like down toward Disneyland?” The advice of someone who has “been there/done that” on a vacation can be very helpful to someone who is still in the planning stages. And it makes perfect sense to ask. Wouldn’t you want to know the best restaurants and motels, cheapest places to get gas, and best times of day to visit certain attractions and avoid long lines?

If you study history, you will see that even back to Old Testament days, people consulted others before starting – or participating in – a war. Strategy was discussed – what worked and what did not, which routes were best, what would happen if this approach or that one were taken, and more. And the right advice often made a huge difference in the outcome.

So what does this have to do with our faith walk? God is using this verse to remind us to seek HIS advice and the advice of fellow believers before making big decisions. Don’t get the advice of just anyone. Seek someone who seems to have a strong connection with God… someone who is known to make wise decisions in his/her own daily living… someone who you are certain prays and studies God’s word before making the first move.

Quite often, God will use others to guide us in the right direction, so find a couple of trustworthy people to consult when you are in need of sound advice. Be sure you ask God to choose these “go-to” advisors for you. He will point you in their direction and make it crystal clear to you that these are the right folks to help you.

God did not call us to serve Him by ourselves. He wants us to interact and lean on one another for help… and that includes sound advice. Find your “go-to” friends and catalog their contact info. When a decision arises, ask God to point you in the right direction… and He will show you who to ask and how to proceed. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have decided according to His will… and your choices will be solid as a Rock.

©2011 Debbie Robus