When I was a brand new Christian, I still wanted to manage my life the way I best saw fit. If I wanted to take a flight somewhere, go to an event no matter the type of crowd, or even move to a new country (which I considered heavily, c’est vrai), I would think about it, pray about it, think about it some more, then I’d decide. I basically relied on my own rationalization and hoped to get signs from God along the way to confirm that I was on the right track. What I have to say about that method is, thank God I met godly friends to help me! With loving correction from these women, using scriptures that explained the necessity of getting advice, I learned what was missing in my decision making for my life.
Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14 NASB
Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. Proverbs 13:10 NASB
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Proverbs 19:20 NASB
For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 24:6 NASB
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9 NASB
Clearly to God, the act of seeking advice is considered wise and important when making decisions. It was such an eye-opener for me! However, getting advice goes deeper than just simply asking for it. In 2 Chronicles 18, the account of Jehoshaphat, Ahab and Micaiah shows us other aspects of advice that we need to take heed to.
“Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war.” But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”” 2 Chronicles 18:3-4
- Seek multiple advisers
Ahab wanted to go into war against Ramoth Gilead, with Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) as his ally in the battle. Jehoshaphat agreed to support him but gave Ahab the advice for him to get counsel from God. Ahab took heed to Jehoshaphat’ advice. He didn’t go to just one prophet though, he sought multiple prophets’ counsel.
“Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6
Takeaway: Check in with more than one person for advice, especially if it’s something major (like in Ahab’s case, war.)
The area in which there was folly was the type of advisers in his circle, which brings us to number two.
- Be selective with your circle
The people that Ahab called on for insight about his idea of going into war were prophets. Now here’s the million-dollar question: What kind of prophets were they? That’s the question/screening process that should be considered when selecting who will be on your group of counselors for advice.
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?” 2 Chronicles 18:6
Perhaps Jehoshaphat knew that these 400 men that Ahab requested advice from were not giving feedback that was beneficial to Ahab. These men were prophets, but they were not prophets of God–and that’s what is needed to acquire godly advice. People that will use the word of God to inform their own thoughts and decision making, will be more likely to give advice with biblical principles to help you with your own thoughts and decision making. Be selective in who you choose.
- Get advice from the “nay-sayer”
Have you ever intentionally avoided asking for advice from someone who was known to give the ‘God’s-honest truth’ about any given situation? That’s what Ahab was wrestling with. That particular person was Micaiah.
“The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.” 2 Chronicles 18:7
Ahab considered Micaiah to be a ‘bearer of bad news’ because whenever he was asked to weigh in on Ahab’s life situations, it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Two things could be happening with someone like this:
1. They’re simply a negative person that sees most things with dark cloud colored glasses, or…
2. The person sees things clearly, using biblical principles and instruction, and they care enough to tell the truth, even if it hurts.
Although it may feel like a person like this is a perpetual nay-sayer, consider adding them into your circle of counselors anyway. They may have some helpful insight from an angle that you might not have thought about.
However things land, trust God.
Sometimes it can be a little scary to get advice, especially if you think it will go against what you hope the advisor(s) will say. The reality is, no one knows 100% what the outcome of the advice and decision will create. That’s the nature of the good ole unknowns of life. However, approaching advice with a heart that’s truly seeking the best God-aligned option whether it aligns with your own ideas or not, is the safest direction every time.
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Rise and Shine Bright.
Love,
Yardley