A few years ago, someone very close to me gave me some advice about a business investment. I was really reluctant about it at first. It wasn't something I was interested in pursuing. But they kept talking to me about it... then they talked to my husband about it... then my husband and I talked about it.
After lots of talking, they finally talked us into it. And Lord knows... that turned out to be one of the worst decisions of our lives! We lost thousands of dollars that we never recouped. It was a nightmare. If we would have sought the Lord about it, without making a move until we had clarity, we could've avoided this disaster.
But we didn't.
And boy did we learn our lesson.
Who's advising you? Are they qualified to influence your life? Are you depending solely upon their words or are you seeking God for yourself?
Some of the worst advice I've received in my life has come from well-meaning individuals who truly believed they knew what was best for me. I thought they knew too... until everything ended up in a mess once I internalized and acted upon their counsel. Have you ever gotten into a bad situation after listening to one of your family members, friends, or acquaintances?
Funny thing is, after things go south... quite often, so do they.
Now, this post is not to discourage you from ever listening to anyone. Not at all. In fact, there are some individuals that God will bring into your life to assist you along your journey. Even the Bible says, "Where no counsel is the people fall: but in a multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).
Still, nowhere does that scripture indicate that you should indiscriminately heed the advice of just anyone. That's dangerous. You see, becoming too dependent on those outside of you to inform your decision-making can be unhealthy. You can end up holding their opinions in high regard, without consulting God for yourself. And even the most well-meaning people can be wrong sometimes.
Whether intentional or not, bad advice leads to bad repercussions. Can I get a witness?
Rather than rushing to seek answers from everyone else, ask God to be your Counselor. You'll find that He can speak for Himself. Then, if ever or whenever He chooses to do so, He can speak to you through others.
Ultimately, your prayer should not be for outside counsel... or a prophetic word, although God may send this your way from time-to-time; instead, how about seeking the Lord for wisdom, guidance, understanding, and revelation? That way, your insatiable need to know what to do won't lead to potentially harmful co-dependency issues.
The Word of God instructs us this way: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives to all men freely..." (James 1:5)
"Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).
Listen. No one knows the direction for your life but God. So before you seek out anyone else... remember this. "...for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6b).
There are many great rewards waiting for all those who will seek the Lord. Trust me... I've tried Him for myself. And every time I call Him, He answers.
Thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com
