Courage Over Fear Pt 6

The Gibeonites knew Israel was advancing, so they created an elaborate deception. They wore worn-out clothes, carried old wineskins, and brought dry, moldy bread to make it appear they had traveled from a distant land. Joshua and the leaders examined the evidence in front of them and believed the story. Verse 14 gives the key detail: “But they did not consult the Lord.”

Devotional Thoughts:
Joshua 9 shows us that not every decision can be made by what we see.

The Gibeonites looked convincing. The evidence seemed clear. The bread was old, the clothes were worn, and their story sounded reasonable. Joshua and Israel’s leaders used their judgment, but they failed to seek God before making a covenant.

That is what makes these verses so important. The problem was not that Joshua lacked intelligence. The problem was that he relied on what made sense without first asking God for direction.

We can do the same thing. An opportunity can look right. A relationship can feel right. A decision can seem obvious. Yet appearances do not always tell the whole story. Wisdom requires more than evaluating circumstances. It requires prayer and dependence on God.

Sometimes our greatest mistakes happen when we feel so confident about what we see that we no longer think we need to pray. Before you decide, consult the Lord.

Practical Application:

• Slow down before making important decisions, especially when the answer seems obvious.
• Ask God for wisdom before depending only on facts, feelings, or appearances.
• Do not let urgency pressure you into making decisions without prayer.
• Make it a habit to ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Father, forgive me for the times I have relied on my own understanding without seeking You. Give me wisdom and discernment in every decision. Help me not to be guided only by what I see or feel. Teach me to pause, pray, and listen before I move. I want Your direction more than I want my own way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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-Pastor Dwight