I SHOULD SECOND-GUESS MYSELF
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12
A twenty-four hour day is filled with dozens of decisions; some minor, some major. Most decisions won't appear to present a challenge. I will think I know the right thing to do. I will argue that it's pretty obvious.
But, what if my own common sense is leading me astray? Scripture says it will and I might take the wrong course of action completely unaware. My 'take' on things, though it seems so right, can be flawed and lead me to unpleasant outcomes.
I face ministry decisions daily that could be made by the laws of marketing. I tried that on and off for twenty-two years and the success left me void of spiritual confidence and void of a God-connection. In 1997, I made a vow unto God to never do ministry like that again. The difference has been huge.
Jesus, who was perfect, didn't move without praying to discern the will of His Father. If He didn’t do it, how can I pretend to think I can! He didn't heal everyone who needed it. He didn’t go everywhere He was invited. He didn’t spontaneously announce, "I think I'll go to Capernaum today." Everything was guided by a Father's agenda who saw how all things fit together.
- Someone today will seek a promotion. They will assume they need to advocate for themselves or risk getting lost in the lineup. God may tell them to do nothing and trust Him. That course will feel disastrous to their flesh and they will need to flex new faith muscles.
- Some will have grounds to discipline their children. Without guidance, they will assume they know the right measure of severity. God may say, "Probe, listen, understand. The root of their disobedience is not what you think."
- Someone will be wronged in a close relationship and it will feel like the last straw. Their first instinct might be to deliver that speech they've been saving for just such an occasion. God may say, "It's not time to talk. It's time to fast for their turnaround and your perseverance."
As long as I've been in relationship with God, I’m surprised by the ways of heaven. As much as I know Jesus, I find that I am still shocked by His wisdom. This affirms that He was right yet again. I am a sheep who needs my Shepherd for everything. So daily, I take my soul and submit it to my higher authority. I know that without bowing to His leadership, I will weave a cobweb of regrets.
Don't let me defile anything with my independence. In Jesus name, Amen
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Monday, 09 October 2023.
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