1 Chronicles 14:9-10 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The LORD answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
A couple of weeks ago I read the words in the title above on a school billboard in my town. I pondered on these words for a few days afterward.
Wouldn’t it be great to always seek God’s counsel before making a business or family decision? Yes, it can be done through prayer and, by making sure that God is truly first in our lives. Such guidance is given to us by God only when we have a true dependent relationship with Him and are obedient to His word.
Recently, we received a proposal from a prospective client that seemed to be very attractive and in line with the strategic direction for our products. Our first reaction was to move forward to try to make the proposal work for us even though we realized that the initial cost to us would be high. We drafted a letter of understanding between us and the prospect and proceeded with our project planning. However, after a few weeks; we were still not at peace with our decision. We stopped the project initiation and, asked God what we should do. God’s answer was to cancel the project. It became evident to us that this was the right conclusion. We also knew that if we proceeded we would eventually get in trouble. We contacted our prospect and called off the deal. It was not well received but months later we can now see that it was the appropriate action.
Proverbs 16:9 states: “In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Despite our best laid plans, God is in ultimate control of our situations. Similarly Proverbs 19:21 tells us: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” In Isaiah 22:22, we read: “What He opens no one can shut and what He shuts no one can open.”
We need God’s guidance if we are to fulfill His highest purposes for our lives. We need Him to show us the best path for our lives. Do not attempt anything unless you first go to God.