Resources/Articles
Ask For Direction from the Lord
And the men took of their provision,
and asked not counsel at the mouth of Jehovah.
Joshua 9:14
Joshua 9 records a story of Gibeonites who lived in a territory which was to be conquered by the Israelites. Realizing Israel was winning the battles, the Gibeonites devised a plan. They dressed in old worn clothes, carried old provisions, and came to the Israelites’ camp, making it appear as if they had traveled a great distance. The Israelites, assuming the Gibeonites had come from a far country and thinking they would not cause any problems, signed a peace agreement with them. Israel later discovered the Gibeonites were people who should be destroyed in the conquest of Canaan. The reason Israel was taken in by this deception is because they “asked not counsel (direction) from the mouth of Jehovah.”
The story provides some important lessons for the Christians who live today:
(1) Ask directions from the Lord regarding your salvation. The first step in salvation is the admission of sin (Romans 3:23). No one usually asks for direction until they realize they are going in the wrong direction. Sin is the wrong way (Isaiah 59:1-2). We may consult our friends and family, but the truth is our only way to freedom (John 8:32). Proverbs 3:5-8 says, “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eye; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”
(2) Ask directions from the Lord in choosing a mate for life. Who would God have you marry? Is it someone who shares your same values of the kingdom and the righteousness of God? Is it someone who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind? Is it someone who believes marriage is a commitment that lasts as long as “we both shall live” (Matthew 19:4-6)? Would they understand their responsibility in marriage? Gentlemen, outline the woman you want to marry from Proverbs 31:10-31 and 1 Peter 3:1-6. Ladies, outline the man you want to marry from Ephesians 5:25-33. Do not settle for anyone less than the one God describes.
(3) Ask directions from the Lord in determining a life’s vocation. As a Christian, what should be your criteria for making such a decision? Is salary, pension, benefits, prestige, or position your primary concern? What kind of job is going to give you opportunities to serve God and others? What job will help you grow spiritually? What vocation is going to be honorable (Ephesians 4:28)? With whom will you be working (1 Corinthians 15:33)? Will this job take you away from worshipping with the saints of God? Make sure your livelihood does not become your life. Choose a career where your job will not define you, but your Christianity will.
