Plans That Succeed
by David Steele
Today’s scripture makes it very clear that a wise man or woman will seek the advice of others before making any serious plans or decisions. That is, if they want them to succeed!
Some Christians decide not to take this biblical advice, whereas others take it a step too far and find themselves asking everybody and their dog what they think about their future plans.
We need to follow God’s instruction but we also need to be wise about who we allow to speak into our lives. Too many pieces of advice may dilute or discourage you from the clear plan God has given you, especially if that advice comes from people who have little or no faith in the God of the miraculous. At the same time, some wise counsel may help you to see your situation from another perspective. It could save you from making a serious mistake.
An important thing to mention here is that you don’t have to act on all the advice that you’re given! Some people may speak into your life and as they’re speaking, the Holy Spirit is confirming what they’re saying. Others may give advice that sounds very good and sensible but you know it’s not God’s counsel coming out of their mouths. The important thing is that you listen.
In my experience it’s often the advice I don’t want to hear that I most need to hear! ‘The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice’ (Proverbs 12:15).
Can I encourage you today to ask God “Who should I allow to speak into my life?” He may want to use some key people in your life to make His plans even more clear to you.
Prayer: Father, I’m sorry for the times that I’ve acted hastily and not sought the advice of others. I’m also sorry if I’ve blamed You for the plans that haven’t succeeded in my life, when perhaps I was being a fool by not seeking advisers. Thank You for the counsel that’s in Your Word, and for the wisdom I can gain from it. Help me to humbly ask for advice from the right people at the right time, and, as I do so, I ask that You would guide me even more clearly into the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
David Steele is a young man who is passionate about teaching the Word of God and declaring a gospel that is full of power to change people’s lives. After serving for 7 and a half years at Ellel Pierrepont, David, his wife Hannah and their two daughters moved to Hungary in 2016 and are working with Ellel 'Central and Eastern Europe Development' (CEED) where they are teaching, ministering and training ministry teams across that region.
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