Insider Information
Where to look when we don’t know:
“Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in your bedroom.” – 2 Kings 6:12, CSB
“Our God… We do not know what to do, but we look to you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:12, CSB
The right ally
Insider information. Everybody wants it! From business decisions to parenting, from marriage relationships to any broad life-shaping choice we face, no matter the complexity or seeming impossibility, we have an ally who has the information we need. The wisdom of God available to us today is the same wise counsel available to prophets and kings in days of old.
Jehoshaphat’s insider information:
You are not the first person to feel ‘in over your head’ with no clear way forward! You’re not the first to say, “I don’t know what to do.” Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced an impossible army – three armies, actually – but when he and his people gathered together to seek God, God gave them direction. “Do this…” It was in seeking God together and then acting obediently according to what He said that they found their way forward.
Elisha’s insider information:
Elisha, the prophet in Israel at the time, knew the plans of Israel’s enemies because God revealed them to him. Things Elisha could not know, he knew because of the Spirit of God. God knows stuff! He knows when to sell, how to negotiate, how to plan, how long to wait, etc. Seeking the God who knows will always be the best way forward. Then, acting on His word in obedient faith will be the natural overflow.
Note: God’s directional wisdom is very often not quite what we may expect! His plans may seem crazy to our own normal way of thinking. Weighing what we think we’re hearing, according to Scripture and in the context of prayer with others, will help us stay on course and moving forward in faith!
Think:
In general, it’s going to be obvious that the way to honor God is to be truthful, kind, and generous according to Scripture. Are there a decision or discussion you’re facing where the clear path is obvious, but you need courage to move ahead in obedient faith? How will you do that?
We won’t always find clearly-defined answers in Scripture regarding things like a move to Denver versus a move to Chicago, or staying where we are; this open door of ministry, or that one; this business opportunity, or the other one. However, when we seek God together, we can expect to discover His prophetic wisdom for our circumstance. What directional wisdom do you need for the next steps in what God is calling you to do? Just ask!
For pivotal, directional decisions, it’s wise to do what Jehoshaphat did: gather with other believers and trusted leaders to seek to hear from God together. Any overwhelming sense of being ‘in our over heads’ will melt into praise when we discover together the insider information the Holy Spirit faithfully brings.
Prayer:
“Lord, keep drawing my eyes to You. You always know the best way forward, so help me listen to Your instruction and prophetic guidance. I know that when I come together with Your people to seek You together that we will find Your wisdom. I ask for the grace to comprehend Your wisdom when I hear it, and for more grace to trust You in obedient faith.”