21 Days: CommissionedIhe Atụ

DAY 9: SEEK GOD FIRST

Key verse: So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. - Joshua 9:14

In Joshua 9, the Israelites made a critical mistake. They were deceived by the Gibeonites because they failed to consult God. Fresh off the victory at Ai, they grew complacent and relied on their own judgement instead of seeking God’s counsel. Their presumptuous decision cost them what could have been a clean victory.

I can relate to how easy it is to think we’ve got things under control or that a decision is simple enough to make on our own. In my university days, the idea of going on a student exchange programme seemed like a no-brainer as everyone around me was doing it. However, after hearing from trusted voices in my life, I decided to seek God on it.

As I prayed and surrendered the decision to God, I let go of the opportunity, trusting Him to lead. A few months later, God opened a door to join a highly sought-after school trip to the same country. To top it off, that was the time when I started dating my husband – something that would not have happened if I’d gone on the original exchange!

When we are commissioned by Him, it’s not just about the choice itself but about fulfilling His purpose for us in His way. By seeking God first, we align ourselves with His plans and avoid the pitfalls that come with self-directed decisions.

Response

Are there decisions in your life right now where you might be relying more on your own understanding than seeking God’s guidance?

How can you develop a habit of consulting God regularly, even when a choice seems obvious or straightforward?