JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is to seek counsel for difficult decisions.

Sometimes, God works through the wise counsel of others to guide our decisions in a successful direction.

Proverbs 15:22 says that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

It is important for us to know who to consult. For financial advice, we would go to someone who has experience as a financial counselor.

For spiritual direction, we would seek someone who has experience walking with the Lord, who cares about us, and is willing to listen.

Good advice is often available by the input of people who know us and understand our situation.

Seeking Counsel for Difficult Decisions is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the wisdom of God’s counsel.

In Isaiah 48:17, This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

God has a plan for our lives. His instruction is for our benefit. He made us, so He knows how we are wired, and what is ultimately for our good. Trusting in God’s guidance is foundational for being teachable. Why would we follow someone if we thought they were leading us to a dead-end? God’s plan is NOT a dead end. He is leading us somewhere good. God supplies us with His sufficient grace for our journey of faith. He leads us by His Word, in His will, and for His glory.

If we don’t know where God is leading us in the present time, we can start with a prayer like this recorded in Psalm 143, verse 10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”

Focusing on the wisdom of God’s counsel gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com