WARNINGS
09th Sep 2015
We have just been in Cornwall and spent a day on Crantock beach. It was a typical Cornish summers day, sunshine, a stiff breeze, a few heavy showers and good surf. The tide was out when we arrived, but was soon on the turn as one of the highest tides of the year rushed in. The Lifeguards were giving constant warnings to the swimmers telling them to check that they were standing in water that was not more than waist deep. I was impressed at the way the surfers were responding, as tragic drownings in the sea happen every year as people ignore the warnings.
God is always wanting to keep us on track and to guide us in the best possible way, however it is important to heed warnings given and to ask for wisdom when we need to know how to proceed. Thinking we know best, or going our own way can be very damaging.
When Joshua met the Gibeonites as they were entering the promised land he broke this cardinal rule, it says, “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not enquire of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14) God’s instructions had been to clear out all the opposing nations, but these people spun a tale and Joshua failed to listen to God.
When David was confronted by his enemies he constantly asked God for the right strategy. 1 Chronicles 14:14 says, “David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go straight up, but circle around and attack them in front of the balsam trees.”
Paul and his team were stopped by the Spirit from going into Bythinia, but that placed them in readiness to receive the vision of the man from Macedonia who begged them, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9)
It is so easy to have knee jerk reactions and make swift and rash decisions when if we stopped and spent a moment or two asking God we would hear His warnings and receive His wisdom.
by Charles Sibthorpe
