Missing God’s Advice

If we are not careful, we can miss God's plan for our lives. Many throughout the Bible and church history have failed to hear God's guiding voice and ended up making horrific decisions. During your college years, if you neglect your health, you will end up with physical problems. If you forget about fixing your mind on Christ, you will lose touch with what is truth. If you are not intentional about seeking the Lord's general and specific will for your life, you will risk great loss in every area of your life and His glory.

Let's think about a few biblical characters who missed God's advice along the way.

First, David was a man guided by God. On a regular basis, he would spend time seeking the Lord in large and small decisions. David thought it would be wise to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, but he did not talk to God about the details. As a result, a man named Uzzah mishandled the Ark and died. The Nation of Israel suddenly when from joyful celebration to sorrowful depression. David did learn a lesson and shared later, "We did not inquire of Him about how to do it" (1 Chron. 15:13).

Second, a great king of Judah named Jehoshaphat was devoted to God and God was with him (2 Chron. 17:3-5). God used him to bring a revival to the nation of Israel. He even said, "First seek the counsel of the Lord" (2 Chron. 18:4). Although he gave the right advice, he failed to seek the Lord on an occasion. Solomon had build a great fleet of ships. Jehoshaphat decided to do the same, building a great fleet of ships at the same seaport (2 Chron. 8:18). This did not please God. The Lord sent a storm and destroyed the ships before they sailed. This great king had failed to seek God on this occasion and had to bear the consequences.

Be warned, but do not be scared. God wants us to seek him with all of our hearts. Stay consistent in your walk with him. Be wise in all your decisions. The Lord will help you discover His plan for your life.