Who do you turn to when you have issues in your life? Your phone, social media, a co-worker, or friend? Have you considered the priority order of who you go to? Perhaps the sequence of seeking wise counsel reflects your spiritual maturity.
#1 Take it to God
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
- Instead of finding someone or something to take your request to, take it to God. It sounds simple, almost overstated. But when something happens in your life and you need help, is your initial reaction to take action or take it to prayer? Keep in mind, prayer is not meant to be a long, drawn out oration with fancy words and a formula for success. It is your heart petitioning your emotions and making a request to our God.
#2 Take it to Wise Faith Counselors
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
- It’s not a question of whether an unbeliever can be wise; it’s about seeking someone with similar values when addressing an issue. The person with whom you seek wise counsel should be the one that also shares the most important relationship in your life, Jesus. It’s not that we can’t glean information from those not following the Lord, but ultimately it’s those who hold the same value system as us that we should seek wise counsel from.
#3 Take Action
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
- If you’ve already done Step 1 and Step 2, don’t fall short of step 3 and doing something about it. We’re not called to only process the issues and challenges, but we’re called to take action and be bold for our God. Joshua needed the encouragement to move forward, take action, after seeking counsel with God. We should do the same. When faced with a life challenge, we need to be bold and take the steps needed to honor God.
Singles, you need to be complete in Christ to fully approach life’s challenges. A relationship with Christ is the foundational relationship for all others you have or may desire in your future. Live your life now in the way that honors God and places Him first so He may use you in mighty ways for the Kingdom.
