Day 2: Surround Yourself With Wise Counsel

“Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14 AMP)

After I started sensing the call into pastoral ministry in April 2012, one of the succours I enjoyed was the gift of godly relationships. When I shared what I felt the Lord was leading me into with a few of my destiny friends and with my mentor, what I received was an overwhelming outpouring of confirmations, counsel and prayers. 

I never realised the true worth of godly relationships until that point in my life. My parents waited on God with me for more clarity. My friends gave prophetic messages that are still being fulfilled until this day. My mentor heartily prayed for me after confirming what I received in my heart.

There is a lot of wisdom in Solomon’s recommendation: “Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22 AMP)

He said it again and again in hopes that we’ll get it. (See Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6). This is why it is very important to build purposeful friendships. If you surround yourself with those who are going nowhere, their counsel will reflect their purposelessness, and that can be contagious. Paul says it this way: “Don’t fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.” “…If you listen to them you will start acting like them.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 CEV & TLB).

What kind of friends are in your inner circle right now? Are they the kind that can inspire you into the pursuit of your purpose?

Over to you . . .

• Do you have ‘destiny friends’ — people who resonate with what God is up to in your life and who can speak freely to you and/or confront you when you are getting it wrong?
• If you do, thank God for them. If you don’t, ask God for them.