The Watchman's Diary

I’m often guilty of giving unsolicited advice. There is no shortage of opinions and us telling others what to do and how to do it. The advent of social media has also unveiled a litany of counselors and life coaches; those who were once hindered by requirements such as formal education and proper certifications. However, the advice is only as effective as our adherence to it. We don’t have to act on what others tell us. Any action we take should be based on careful deliberation, prayer, and discernment. 

Each day brings with it unique circumstances and the potential for new challenges. Jesus tells us not to worry about the things we will eat or drink, not to worry about what we will wear, and not to worry about tomorrow. Believers in Jesus are to walk in trust—having faith that God, in His unmerited grace, will provide all our needs. However, we are to make our decisions through prayer and fasting. If we seek council, we should seek it from other faithful believers who are mature in their faith. This is not always easy. We each have our reasons for not seeking the advice of others. For many of us, pride is often at the root of that reason. 

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).

Who and what are you listening to? The advice we are receiving may very well affect a calling God has in our lives. The decisions we make can take us out of place and way off course of that calling. Like Jonah, the way to our calling may be longer and tumultuous. Like Abraham, our decisions may introduce long-term burdens. Like Moses, our decisions may limit us to a view of the promise without the experience. God is faithful and His purposes for us is not just about us. He will bring about His plans. Our part in it can be limited by our actions along the way. 

“Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26).

Take the time to pray and allow time for the heaviness of a decision to be reconciled. We are human and are susceptible. We may make decisions from a place of trust in others, but that trust is misplaced if it does not align with God’s will. Pray and keep praying. Ask God to give you discernment and the ability to discern the leading of His Holy Spirit. Study His word to learn His ways. Look at the way the giants of faith and other biblical characters behaved, the outcomes, and God’s response to each circumstance. Talk to other mature believers who have gone through similar life experiences. Then pray some more. When we isolate ourselves, we are more susceptible to the deceptive voice of the devil. Left unchecked, our own thoughts and feelings can deceive and betray us.  God is always faithful and does not change his mind concerning us. If we feel out of place it is because we have moved. 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6).