One Step at a Time

Walking with Jesus is sometimes like walking a dark path with a flashlight in hand; the next step must be taken in order to see the one that comes after it.

In trying to understand if the idea I have is from God, I’m like a deer seeking water. I know the answer is there, but God wants me to walk to it in faith, taking one step at a time. I read the book of Esther this morning and as I read, I could sense Him telling me that waiting is good, and that I need to wait for the verification that comes from others. That is, if my idea is from Him, He will give it to godly people and they will talk to me about it. If not, I have more to learn, or He has another path for me to take. 

The Bible I used answers questions. I asked what it says about godly counsel, not so much that I present my idea to anyone (for the Spirit has already said not to talk about it), but that He will put the same idea in the minds of others who will talk to me about it.

This may sound strange, but for the past few weeks, the Sunday sermons have lined up with my prayers and devotions. Last week, the preacher even used the same two passages I studied that same morning. I know that the Holy Spirit works that way. If the ideas are from Him, He gives them to others who are also listening.

Anyway, out of dozens of passages that speak of the need to listen for verification from others, these spoke the loudest:

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. (Job 12:12–13)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1–2)
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. (Proverbs 10:17)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2) 
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:31–33)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11–13)
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15–17)
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:3–5)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

PRAY: Jesus, it is clear to me is that I need to wait for You to tell me the next step. It might be a surprise, but it will not be to harm or shame me. Your wisdom is needed and I will wait until You bring wise words from godly people concerning the direction You desire for me.