By Tracie Miles
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise
the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose
will prevail.” Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT)
Over several months of dealing with a difficult circumstance, I
received a lot of godly counsel from beloved friends and family. Yet I
found it hard to heed their good suggestions at times, because my
feelings seemed to be in control of my thoughts.
I opened my eyes and reached for my Bible, and immediately came across today’s key verses, Proverbs 19:20-21 ... “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
My heart quickened at the thought of God whispering the comforting
answer I had just prayed for. I sensed His assurance that it was okay to
accept and trust wise advice that aligned with Scripture, because His
plans and purposes would always prevail even if my decisions weren’t
perfect.
Obviously my first place for wisdom and guidance is God’s Word and
prayer, and I had been anxiously seeking His direction for weeks. But as
I read this verse, I felt prompted to ponder all the people who’d
offered me loving wisdom. With grateful humility, I bowed my head again
to pray, intentionally thanking God for all the people who continually
poured wise instruction into my heart and seeking discernment about the
best advice to follow.
God sends people into our lives for many reasons, and in many cases, it
is in response to a need we have -- whether it’s now, or yet to come.
No relationship happens in the Kingdom of God by circumstance or without
reason, whether it’s to provide friendship, help us through a season of
difficulty, provide wisdom or inspire us to stand strong in our faith
when we feel weak and unsure.
Lord,
thank You for the people You have divinely placed in my life who speak
holy truth, love and words of wisdom. Give me a heart of discernment to
know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and
my circumstances, and give me the strength and courage to follow through
with that advice, even when it’s hard. Fill me with peace in knowing
that even if I take a wrong turn, Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
Editor’s Note: Content
taken from the Encouragement for Today devotional, “Godly Friends, Godly
Wisdom,” written by Tracie Miles. Today's Bible Verse...
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. —Ecclesiastes 7:10
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
The
only thing we get by spending our time looking in the rear view mirror
is a big disaster in our front windshield! Our best days as Christians
are always ahead. Jesus has promised to return and take us home to God —
what better future could there be. So let's not get distracted with
nostalgic cynicism. We can thank God for his past blessings, but let's
not waste the present with pessimism. Let's make a commitment to redeem
our time and trust that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead also
holds our future in his hands.
My Prayer...
Holy God, give me a sense of purpose in each day that you give me life and give me an optimistic outlook on the future and on my Lord who will meet me there. Please help me have a sense of genuine joy knowing that no matter where the road leads me today, I will journey with you. In Jesus' name I thank you for being my loving God and eternal Father. Amen.
Holy God, give me a sense of purpose in each day that you give me life and give me an optimistic outlook on the future and on my Lord who will meet me there. Please help me have a sense of genuine joy knowing that no matter where the road leads me today, I will journey with you. In Jesus' name I thank you for being my loving God and eternal Father. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Assigning Tough Preaching Topics
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