For Examining Advice

For Examining Advice

AS LEGEND TELLS IT, two beggars sat on the side of the road. One said, “I’m where I am today because I wouldn’t listen to anyone’s advice.” The other retorted, “I’m where I am today because I took everyone’s advice.”

Seeking the right counsel is so critical that presidents have cabinets and corporations have boards. It’s widely understood that advice is needed. Proverbs 11:14 declares, “In the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory” (AMP). But not every so-called “godly” message should be heeded.

Prayer is the filter that separates godly counsel from the foolish and faulty. This is crucial because even prophets lie! In 1 Kings 13, an old prophet said to a man, “‘An angel gave me a message from the Lord.’ . . . But the old man was lying” (verse 18, TLB).

Through the purifying systems of Scripture and prayer, God verifies which advice to trust. Through peace, you’ll receive God’s confirmation. Through unease, you’ll know that the advice was not from God.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Test everything that is said.

TODAY I DECLARE

I’ll heed when I feel peace.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

I sought advice about this decision, but I still don’t know what to do. Some say do this; others say do that. Where do you fall along this spectrum?

Please speak to my spirit, O Lord. Reveal which advice I should take. Do you agree with any of these opinions, or do you have a different idea in mind?

Kindly confirm your thoughts on this decision, as I filter these options through you.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“God verifies which advice to trust.”