JOSHUA 9:36 : But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,
they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their
donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on
themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy.
And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have
come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”
Decisions are part of our life every day. We decide what to wear when we get up in the morning. We
decide what to eat, what to listen to on the radio or watch on television. We make a multitude of
other-less-than-earthshaking choices daily.
But sometimes we face decisions that have a major impact on our lives. These may affect whom we
marry, where we live or what job we hold. But big or small, the choices we make should honor the
Lord.
Joshua was faced with an important decision soon after he entered the land of Canaan. God had
warned him not to make treaties with any of the neighboring peoples. Yet when a group of people
showed up who claimed to live far away, he had to reject or accept their plea for peace. Carefully
Joshua and his advisors inspected the moldy food and worn-out clothing.
Yet verse 14 says, “but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” Only after they had finalized the
agreement did they learn they had been tricked. Deception and misrepresentations are rampant in
our society. Salespeople try to rush us into making immediate decisions.
Television promotes an unrealistic view of life. Advertisers imply promises they can’t fulfil. In the midst
of it all, we need to seek the counsel of the Lord. Only the principles in His Word will enable us to
make choices that consistently honor Him.
When you need to make a decision, don’t rely on human wisdom alone, but look to God’s Word. Ask
Him to reveal His truths that will enable you to make wise and godly decisions.
WHEN THE RIGHT DECISION IS IMPORTANT, THE RIGHT COUNSEL IS IMPERATIVE.