Walking with Advisers

HIGHLIGHT: Proverbs 24:6 Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

EXPLAIN: Waging war requires many different things: intel, resources, courage to name a few. Most people would look toward the resources, however, a vital element is guidance. Guidance is the action of leading someone through the area. That could be leading someone through the war planning, the engagement of the war, or even helping someone to avoid the landmines.

Victory comes with many advisers. There are different view points, different experiences, different personalities and differing strengths. With each of those advisers, possession each of these different strengths, it brings strength to the decision at hand.

APPLY:Most of us will never need the kind of guidance necessary to win an actual military campaign. However, we will need guidance to make it through life. There is necessary planning that has to take place - financial, relational, educational. There is guidance in the middle of the battle - when there is job loss, or divorce becomes the reality, or even when you tire of one vocation but need help attaining the next level. It is even a good thing to have a guide when it comes to the land mines of life - how to react to your boss or co-worker, what to say when your kids walk through their defiant moments, and even how to handle changes in your parents' health.

The writer also says that victory is won through many advisers. Victory is possible, and even more likely, when you have a multitude of advisers. This does not mean people who simply say yes and all else you want to hear. It is people who might or might not agree with you. It includes people who might or might not agree with each other. The key is that you are gaining wisdom on how to wage the war of life and win. That comes with a multitude of advisers who see things from different perspectives, have different passions and different giftings. The key is you are gaining wisdom throughout each conversation.

This is one reason I love the church so much. There is so much wisdom in gathering with people over and over ~ where trust is being built. There is so much love that is grown - that allows people to draw near and seek each other's good. The Holy Spirit is in the conversations, so it is not the people's wisdom that comes about but the wisdom that flows from the heart of God.

Ultimately, the writer does not excuse someone from the difficult process of decision. However, with planning and many advisers, there can be strength in decisions for the path ahead.

RESPONSE: Lord, even on my best day may I never forget how much I need you and your wisdom. Let me always surround myself with your people so that I may hear your heart of wisdom and walk in your ways...always!