…the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. – Joshua 9: 14

After Moses died, God gave instruction to the new leader of Israel, Joshua, to drive out all the groups who occupied the Promised Land.

God wanted to clearly establish Himself as the one true God among all the surrounding nations.

Now these surrounding groups had heard about the God of Israel, but the majority of them decided to take up their swords and fight His Israelite army anyway.

Except the Gibeonites.

The Gibeonites recognized that they weren’t a match for God’s power, so they devised a scheme to save themselves from destruction.

They pretended to be a nation from a far off land who decided to come serve the Israelites.

They presented moldy bread and old wineskins to the Israelite leaders to give off the appearance that they had traveled a long distance and were not from the surrounding area.

The Israelite leaders, being skeptical, examined the Gibeonite’s bags before making a treaty with them.

But they missed a very crucial step in their examination process.

They didn’t consult God!

If they had brought the issue to God, He would have told them the Gibeonites were playing a trick on them.

But because they left God out, they had to deal with the consequences of their decision…

When you’re in doubt about anything at all, get down on your knees and pray before you make a decision.

Follow the wise words of King Solomon:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

God is omniscient and He’s supremely benevolent, so He always knows the best course of action for our lives.

If you’re at a crossroads, or you’re experiencing doubt and uncertainty regarding a situation you’re facing, take some time today to humbly ask God for direction.

He’ll never steer you the wrong way.

So always follow His Divine compass!

Be blessed,

Alexia