17 AUGUST

THE SNARE OF SUCCESS

“Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.” (Joshua 9: 14-15, NKJV)

Joshua had just led Israel to defeat Jericho and Ai. Sadly, the Israelites seemed carried away with the euphoria of victory that they forgot how God had led them, giving them all the details and manoeuvres that led to these victories. They did not seek God for guidance to enable them see through the Gibeonites’ deceit with their spiritual eyes. They took decisions based on what their physical eyes could see and took samples of their provisions. The arm of flesh failed them!

The Israelites saw only what the physical eyes could see. The Gibeonites’ bread was dry and mouldy and the wineskins were torn. Their sandals and garments were old. Everything seemed right for people who had travelled far. The treaty seemed harmless; yet it was a direct disobedience to God who had asked them not to make any treaty with the inhabitants of Canaan.

Sometimes we take decisions on our own, without asking God for counsel. There are some critical issues of life that can affect us our whole lives. These include career path, course to study, school to attend, person to marry, and so on. The consequences of making the wrong decision in any of these areas can have lasting effects. Moreover, we need God’s guidance, even in the seemingly little things.

ACTION: Always seek God’s counsel and guidance on matters concerning your life.

PRAYER: Oh Lord my God, please speak to me and guide me in every decision I take. Keep me from taking decisions that will oppose your purpose for my life.