Consult GOD first

Joshua 9: ¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

¹⁶ Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living nearthem. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.

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“Nine weeks will be a short assignment that would enable me to pick up a ton of cash and I can still perform the functions of my business” I greedily said to myself. I thought about what I would do with the cash and then I began planning.

Once I actually started working I realized I was in the worst assignment of my career. The atmosphere reeked of blame and deception. As I sat on the edge of my bed at 3:00 AM I realized I made a huge mistake.

• When something looks too good to be true for me, it usually is.
• When I look at things from a “monetary gain” perspective I usually fail.
• When I think about a plan from a “personal gain” angle I usually fall flat.

Many times I have run off with a plan and have not consulted GOD. These plans sometimes make it pretty far but then come crashing down to the ground with painful consequences. When I wake up in pain I blame GOD asking HIM “Why did YOU let me fail?”

• GOD wants me to consult HIM first before I make my plans.
• GOD wants me to ask HIS permission and allow HIM to say NO.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom, HIS power and HIS strength, for no plan can prosper without HIM.

The caveat to consulting GOD is I have to perform above the level otherwise HE will turn HIS back on the plan. I must respect everyone associated with the plan and listen to GOD intently. I must accept HIS timing and methods which can be long and scary. I must trust GOD.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “what do you want me to do?”
• Are you staying on the course HE has laid out for you?
• Won’t you ask HIM what plan HE wants for you instead of asking HIM for help on “your” plan?