What happens when we refuse to consult God for counsel

Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to let them live and the rulers of the congregation swore to them – Joshua 9 : 9 – 10.

At times we feel we are in charge with that we try to do things with our own little understanding and wisdom. Without God’s counsel and wisdom, one is bound to fail no matter how people try to bring sweet words to divert your mind.

God was with the children of Israel and they always triumph over their enemies. The fame of their victory went round the whole earth because God was with them. Because of the news of their victory, people were afraid of them anywhere they go. People gathered to fight against Joshua and the children of Israel with one accord but they always triumph.

Your enemies will hear what God has done to those that were against you and they will try to fight you with one accord, do not tremble because He that is in you is greater than he that is in outside. The only thing you need to do is let God know that He is your source of victory and that will motivate Him to fight more for you.

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they worked craftily and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet and old garments on themselves and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, We have come from a far country, now therefore, make peace with us.

Then the men of Israel said to the Hivites, perhaps you dwell among us, so how can we make a covenant with you? But they said to Joshua, we are your servants. And Joshua said to them, who are you and where do you come from? So they said to him, from a far country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God, for we have heard of His fame and all that He did in Egypt and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan – to Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan who was at Ashtaroth – Joshua 9 : 3 – 10.

Because of their sweet words, Joshua and the children of Israel felt that they were in charge and as such no need to seek God’s counsel. Brethren, don’t listen to those sweet words of your enemies because in the field of battle, everyone is a suspect so always go to God to seek counsel. He is the One that will make you to know if whatever they are saying is true or false.

When we make mistake, God’s protection will still be there for us because He love us more than we can imagine but, the issue is that we have to struggle more with the enemy. The fight that suppose to take us one day to win will now take us five days or more to win or even loose the fight so that we can learn. But we can avoid such stress if from the beginning we seek God for advice.

The bible make it very clear, ”Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel of the Lord” – Joshua 9 : 14.

Although the children of Israel were in charge, their source of victory was God and Him alone. The strength and wisdom of Joshua and the children of Israel could not take them to anywhere without Him.

”When we take charge of a situation without consulting the wisdom of God, we always make a mess of it” – Thelma Wells

”Jesus want us to live everyday of our lives with passion and vision” – Sheila Walsh.

The enemies are ready to use any instrument against us but we should be vigilant so that we cannot fall a victim of their evil plans. Lies, will only last for a very short time. Later, the children of Israel was made to understand that they were neighbors but a covenant has already been made which cannot be broken. Joshua has to make them wood cutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord.

Anytime we refuse to seek God’s wisdom and counsel, we are opening door or doors for problems. We should always seek Him so that we cannot fall into unnecessary temptations.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I thank You for whom You are. I appreciate all the You are doing in my life and family. Give us the grace to always seek Your counsel first in anything we want to do. Help us to always remember that You are the source of any victory we have in the name of Jesus Christ.