Still Ask the Lord

Still Ask the Lord

“The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask GOD about it.” (Joshua 9:14 MSG)

The place of seeking God’s will in every endeavour cannot be overemphasised. Often, it is not the big decisions that trip us up, but the seemingly simple and obvious ones. When we rely on what looks reasonable to the eye and sounds convincing to the mind, we may overlook the need for divine counsel.

God had given Israel great victories, and the news spread far and wide. While some nations chose open confrontation, the Gibeonites adopted a more subtle approach. They disguised themselves as travellers from a distant land, presenting worn-out clothes, tattered sandals, and dry bread as evidence. Joshua and the leaders examined the physical proof, accepted it—and failed to ask God. A covenant was made, only for Israel to discover three days later that the Gibeonites were neighbours, not strangers.

The mistake was not in examining the evidence, but in stopping there. They checked—but they did not verify with God.

In matters of destiny, we can never be too careful. When in doubt, check; and when you have checked, verify—by asking the Lord. The Holy Spirit is always present to guide, warn, and give clarity, if only we will inquire of Him. Things may appear right, convincing, and even urgent, yet still be wrong. Had Israel asked God, the deception would have been exposed.

Scripture reminds us:

“Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil!" (Proverbs 3:5–7 MSG)

Reflection
How often do we make decisions based on logic, experience, or appearances without pausing to ask God? Spiritual maturity is not just knowing what to do, but knowing when to stop and seek God’s counsel. Asking God is not a sign of weakness—it is wisdom.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me not to lean on my own understanding or be swayed by appearances. Teach me to ask You in all things—big and small. Sharpen my spiritual discernment and keep me sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit. May I never assume I know better than You. Order my steps and keep me on the right path, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift) 

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