Seeking Wise Counsel Before Moving Forward

I remember one weekend when the weather was stormy and relentless. It was my turn to pick up my mother and bring her to my house for dinner, and one of my sisters warned me that it wasn’t a good idea. I didn’t listen because I thought that my commitment was more important and that a little risk of driving in the rain was worth it.

That experience taught me why seeking wise counsel matters, especially when we cannot see the road ahead clearly.

First mistake: not listening to wise advice

So I made my way onto the first bridge (had to cross three), and the wind and driving rain made it impossible to see the road. I followed the lights of a big truck in front of me and heard myself saying, “I’ve got this.” Well, I did until the truck turned off the bridge. Then I was back into the blinding rain alone. My hands began to shake, and my heart began to beat rapidly. Well… maybe I don’t have this. Next bridge, same thing. I thought about turning around, but why give up when I was halfway there? By the time I drove over the third bridge, I was a mess. Not only did I realize that I did not have this, but I also noted that I should have listened to my sister’s advice not to venture out.

Second mistake: not listening to the second warning

I had another call from my other sister who said, “Stay put. Fix soup and wait for the storm to pass.” By this time the storm had eased, so I left with my precious cargo heading to my house. But… the crosstown was flooded. I watched with horror all the while praying like crazy. My mother thought it was a great adventure, and I tried to stay calm. Why hadn’t I listened??

Driving rain, flooding….. What was God saying? I was grateful that I took my husband’s car, and I do believe that this was God’s provision because it is heavier and higher than mine, so I could get through the flooding.

Walking by Faith Does Not Mean Ignoring Wisdom

Friends, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight according to 2 Corinthians 5:7, but we are not called to walk, or, in this case, drive, blindly into a storm that we can avoid.

Sometimes we use Scriptures in the wrong way, such as saying:

I won’t work because God’s Word says He will provide.

I will walk into danger because God said He will protect me.

The list is endless of how we can rationalize or irrationalize God’s Word. God’s Word also says to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. His Word tells us there is wisdom in counsel. And my counsel said, “Don’t go.”

Seeking Wise Counsel When You Cannot See Clearly

For some of you reading this blog today, you need to take note that God is speaking to you about something, and you need wise counsel.

You may be thinking that you will walk by faith into a situation that is dangerous or one in which you cannot see with clarity, think blinding rain. Push the pause button if this is you.

Seeking wise counsel is not a sign that you lack faith. God often uses trusted people to provide wisdom, discernment, and protection when we cannot see clearly ourselves.

Call a trusted counselor to pray or consult with you. God sends us help every day, but we all have to take time to listen.

For additional biblical encouragement, explore more Drawing Near to God devotionals.

Joanne