Invest 5 Seconds in Your Success

Joshua 9:14-22 

“The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them … three days after … Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, ‘Why did you deceive us …?’”

Before you act, take five seconds and ask God. He knows stuff! And amazingly, he is willing to tell. He knows heaps concerning your circumstances, your future, your real motives and your deep desires. He knows how to direct your path and he wants to do it. He wants to participate in your life as you work through every-day issues.

The bible calls this “inquiring of the Lord”. It means simply asking God for input, advice, wisdom or direction on a regular basis. It is what Paul called praying without ceasing. Failing to “inquire” leaves you half-blind and vulnerable. Joshua can tell you all about that. He jumped in without talking to God and was badly deceived. 

Don’t think that God is going to write an answer in the clouds. But then again, don’t think he will ignore you. He can whisper his promptings into your subconscious. He can open and close doors of direction. He can bring a friend or a book or a briefing paper into your awareness at “just the right time”. He can, and he WILL, get involved if you ask him. And he won’t if you don’t!

Failing to “inquire of the Lord” not only robs you of opportunity, it also diminishes your relationship with God. It is like only kissing your partner good morning one day of the week (and then taking up an offering). God relishes constant conversation and a deepening relationship with us.

This requires a handful of whispered prayers each day. To help you remember, you might scribble “Inquire” at the top of each diary page, each meeting agenda and all your to-do lists. You could encourage your Christian colleagues to jog your memory and “inquire” together at the beginning of new projects. Make it a habit.

It’s not magic. It’s not a guarantee for prosperity. But it is wise. If you are a leader and you fail at this point, Jeremiah has some harsh words for you: “The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jer. 10:21). Don't let that happen.

Inquire of the Lord! Save yourself some bother and deepen your friendship with God at the same time.

Questions:

• Do you have a story of successfully "inquiring of the Lord"? Or, of failing to do so? What were the consequences?
• What helps you to consistently "inquire"?
• How would you answer someone's resistance to this idea?
• Please leave a comment.

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